by Joey Amato
The Nashville chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), the world’s leading peer-to-peer network of successful business leaders has begun accepting applications to this year’s qualifying rounds of the Global Student Entrepreneurs Awards (GSEA). The chapter will be hosting the Local Qualifying Competition on November 30 at 1 p.m. at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center.
GSEA is a premier awards program for students who own or operate a business while attending college or university. Student entrepreneurs compete against peers in a series of local and national qualifying rounds to make their way to the global finals that will be held in Toronto, Canada next year. EO’s GSEA program provides students an opportunity to learn from fellow entrepreneurs and form lasting relationships with both students and prominent entrepreneur judges. Over the years, participating students have gone on to expand and build businesses, create thousands of jobs and generate millions in revenue.
“GSEA is a wonderful program that encourages young business leaders to follow their passions,” said Ashlyn Hines Meneguzzi, coordinator for the program and principal of Bristol Development Group. “Through this program, EO has expanded its mission of guiding developing entrepreneurs to a new generation of future leaders across the globe.”
In addition to being college or university level students, participants would also have to be primarily responsible for a business that has been in operation for no less than six consecutive months. Upon review of the applications, selected students will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present their business and entrepreneurial journey in front of a panel of entrepreneur judges, including Michael Brodey-Waite, Greg Luken, Nancy Leach, Monique Muri and Brittany Lorenzi.
The emerging champion from this round of the competition will proceed to the Regional Qualifiers with coverage of up to $500 in airfare and win a cash prize of $3,000, as well as donated business products and services, including web services, PR, consulting and more. Second place will win a cash prize of $1,500, and third place will win $500.
Student entrepreneurs interested in participating need to apply before November 23 to secure their place in the competition. To know more about GSEA application and eligibility, visit: http://gsea.org/