Global Student Entrepreneur Awards 2021-22:(GSEA) competition season is open for young and talented students worldwide!

The Global Student Entrepreneur Award is open for young and talented students worldwide, running a potential startup for socio-economic development. College or university students are encouraged to apply if they have had a startup for the last 6 or more months. At the first level, applicants have to clear a local GSEA competition in their country to be selected for the final GSEA.

The Global Student Entrepreneur Award was founded in 1998 by Saint Louis University and is now an internationally recognized Entrepreneurs’ organization program. GSEA is happy to support student entrepreneurs in more than 50 different countries. Successful contestants will have the opportunity to network with peers from all over the world at the Global Finals, hosted annually to honor their entrepreneurial spirit and achievements. It will select the potential startups, to those if a bit of investment, professional guidance and proper marketing is provided, they will grow very well. The main aim of GSEA is to direct the youth towards entrepreneurship. And in this, GSEA will support the potential startups not only benefitting the economy but also positively impacting society.

Deadline is January 21, 2022

Who is eligible for the Global Student Entrepreneur Award

1. You must be enrolled for the current academic year in a university/college as an undergraduate or graduate* student at the time of application. Full-time enrollment is not required; part-time enrollment is acceptable.
2. You must be the owner, founder or controlling shareholder of your student business. Each company can be represented by only one owner/co-founder – studentpreneur.
3. Your student business must have been in operation for at least six consecutive months prior to the application.
4. Your business must have generated US $500 or received US $1000 in investments at the time of application.
5. You should not have been one of the final round competitors from any previous year’s GSEA Global Finals Competition.
6. The age cap for participation is 30 years of age.

*Graduate students are eligible to apply only if they have continually enrolled in a university following their undergraduate degree and not left school to work on their business or to seek other employment. Exceptions can be made for students who have taken up to one academic year off before beginning their postgraduate education.

Prizes available

Prizes for the Global Student Entrepreneur Award are generally a combination of cash and business services and will vary by location. At the Global Finals, students compete for a total prize package of US$50,000in cash and first place receives US$25,000. All travel and lodging expenses are also paid. Second place will receive US$10,000and third place will receive US$5,000. Additional awards are given at the Global Finals for Social Impact, Innovation, and Lessons from the Edge. How do the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards help student business owners?

• Feedback and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.
• Refined storytelling. Going head to head with other business owners and answering tough questions about your business from our judges helps you mprove your pitch skills as a student entrepreneur and enhances your ability to communicate the value proposition of your business.
• Expanded networks. You will meet other student entrepreneurs from around the world, as well as Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) members and our honored guests.
• Media Exposure. You will receive local and national media attention for yourself and your business.
• Prizes.The total value of all prizes, gifts and services for all student competitors at the GSEA Global Finals is nearly half a million dollars.

Judging criteria

The criteria for our student entrepreneur competition is split into two parts and focuses primarily on your journey as an entrepreneur.

Part 1:

Evaluation of the Student Entrepreneur

1. The student entrepreneur demonstrates the tenacious spirit needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. They have encountered challenges, overcome them, and learned from their mistakes.
2. The student entrepreneur is effectively integrating the two roles of life – as a student AND a business owner.
3. The student demonstrates a desire to build a better tomorrow. They aim to improve a process or solve a problem with motivations not solely based on driving profits.
4. EO Core Value #1 – Trust and Respect – The student has demonstrated an appropriate degree of trust and respect in his/her interactions with the judges. They are true to self, demonstrating vulnerability and openness, and are trustworthy.

5. EO Core Value #2 – Thirst for Learning – The student is seeking out expert advice and wisdom, and proactively growing his/her own knowledge. They are naturally curious.
6. EO Core Value #3 – Think Big, Be Bold – The student is taking smart risks and evolving to meet changing circumstances. They aim to make positive change.
7. EO Core Value #4 – Together We Grow – The student is open-minded, adds value to the entrepreneurial community and is committed to helping others grow. They value diversity and inclusivity in life and business.

Part 2:

Evaluate the Student Business

1. Has the student demonstrated a knowledge of strong business fundamentals? Have they provided information relating to the growth, revenue and profit of the business?
2. Has the student effectively communicated the business and its vision?
3. Does the student business show strong potential for future growth?