The 2021 Business Idea Competition at West Chester University is now open, with $11,500 in prize money being awarded at this year’s competition.

Let your big idea become a business reality by winning this competition and jumpstarting your business.

Sponsored by the Dr. Edwin Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, the Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, and Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, the Ninth Annual WCU Business Idea Competition promotes creativity and idea generation by recognizing innovative ideas for new products, services, and technology.

The WCU Business Idea Competition’s partners are SCORE of Chester & Delaware County and the Chester County Economic Development Council.

The goals of the competition are to foster idea generation and to facilitate commercialization of business ideas.

Ideas will be reviewed by business angels and business advisors. The top ideas will be selected for the Virtual Business Idea Pitch event on April 14. WCU is proud to once again have Meridian Bank’s support as Presenting Sponsor.

Business experts, Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic Angel Investors, and members of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce will judge the Idea Pitch.

Winners will be announced, and awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Idea Pitch.

Ideas that have not yet been commercialized and can be used as the foundation for a new business are eligible.

There are four tracks in this competition:

• WCU Undergraduates
• WCU Graduate Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff
• Chester County-Based Startups
• Chester County High School Students

You will be asked to explain your idea for a product, service, or technology that can be used as the foundation for a new business, focusing on description, uniqueness, and target market.

Submissions are due on Feb. 23. Click here to submit an entry.

Prizes include:

• Grand Prize: $2,500
• First-Place Prize in Each Track: $1,500
• Second-Place Prize in Each Track: $750

For more information, e-mail cottrellcenter@wcupa.edu or click here.