Young Entrepreneurs Compete in Business Plan Competition on Campus

These kids may not be out of high school yet, but they’re already sharing their great ideas at Duquesne.

As part of its community outreach, the School of Business is sponsoring and hosting first round and semi-finals today in a regional business competition for young entrepreneurs.

At the George W. Tippins Youth Entrepreneur Regional Business Plan Competition, young people will present their business ideas to a judges’ panel of local entrepreneurial and community leaders. The volunteers will evaluate the presentations based upon:

• market research and product analysis
• competitive advantage and selling strategies
• research of costs
• financial planning and forecasting
• future plans and orientation
• professionalism
• feasibility.

These students develop their ideas and business plans through the Entrepreneuring Youth program, which is sponsored by schools and nonprofit organizations. With guidance from teachers and volunteer coaches, students learn to evaluate the marketplace, identify their niche opportunities, create financial projections and outline their give-back plan of philanthropy.

“Partnering with Entrepreneuring Youth and welcoming student participants in its regional business plan competition provides an opportunity for Duquesne University and the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business to live its mission, providing service to the community by engaging local young people with innovative business concepts,” said Dorene Ciletti, assistant professor of marketing and sports marketing, who is a judge for the event. “For some student participants, the opportunity to participate on campus might serve as encouragement to pursue higher education. It’s exciting to be involved in an initiative for which students are passionate and committed to making a difference and adding value through their entrepreneurial ventures.”

The finalists will compete on Thursday, June 2, at the Rivers Club.