New Venture Competition

When is the registration due?
Registration typically closes in late March at 12 p.m. CST. Check the registration form and the top of this page for the current year’s deadline.
 

Does each member of the team need to register?
No. Only one team member should complete the registration form. That person will provide contact information for all teammates.

All communications from the Center for Entrepreneurship will include everyone listed on the registration.
 

Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
Yes. You’ll receive an immediate confirmation email after submitting your registration. A final confirmation or notification will be sent once the competition bracket is finalized.
 

Does registration guarantee a competition spot?
No. Registration does not guarantee a place on the bracket. The center typically receives more entries than available spots. Depending on total registrations, either 48 or 64 teams are invited to compete.

Selection factors include:

• Clear, detailed business idea description in the registration form
• Participation in workshops or engagement with the center for assistance
• Enrollment in Center for Entrepreneurship–taught courses and discussion of your idea with faculty
• 3-2-1 Quick Pitch winners automatically receive a bracket spot
   

Can I compete with an existing business?
Yes, as long as it’s a student-created, managed, and owned venture. Eligible ventures include those in idea development, seed, startup, or early growth stages.

Teams that have previously earned $7,500 or more in past New Venture Competitions will compete in a dedicated growth-focused round, separate from the Traditional Bracket.

What is the structure of the New Venture Competition?
The New Venture Competition follows a four-round, bracket-style format, followed by an awards reception. Each round takes place over two days, with additional award activities shortly after the finals. All events are held in Howard L. Hawks Hall, the Nebraska Student Union, or a partner-hosted venue.
 

Do I need to check in or can I just arrive at my presentation time?
Yes. All competitors must check in for each round before presenting. Schedules may shift and competitors should be prepared to present before their scheduled time.
 

Can friends and family attend?
Absolutely, spectators are welcome but must maintain confidentiality when observing other teams’ pitches.
 

Are meals provided on competition day?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are provided both days for competitors, judges, marshals, and volunteers.

Who can compete?
All University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.

Alumni who graduated within one year of the competition may also compete in the traditional bracket.
 

Is the competition for individuals or is it team based?
Either. Both individual entrepreneurs and teams are welcome.
 

Do all team members have to be students?
Not necessarily. For concept-stage ventures: students* must play a major role in conceiving and managing the business. For existing companies: at least 50% must be student-owned.

*Students include current UNL undergraduates, graduates, and alumni who graduated within one year of the competition.
 

Are non-student team members allowed to present?
No. Only student members may present. Non-students may participate in planning and can help answer judges’ questions, but cannot present.

Do I need to submit a business plan?
No. The registration form includes all required information for initial evaluation. You should work on a business plan, or specific aspects of it during your preparation for the New Venture Competition, but you do not need to submit it to the Center for Entrepreneurship.
 

Are resources available to help me prepare?
Yes. The Center for Entrepreneurship faculty and staff can assist with your business plan, pitch, and projections. Check the pre-competition workshop schedule for topic-specific sessions, or contact entrepreneurship@unl.edu to schedule a meeting.
 

How long is the pitch?
Each team has:

• 5 minutes for setup
• 15 minutes to present
• 10 minutes for Q&A with judges

These time limits are strictly enforced.
 

What should my pitch deck include?
Plan for 10–15 slides that fit within the 15-minute presentation. Teams are responsible for ensuring tech compatibility. For support, contact entrepreneurship@unl.edu.

How many times will I pitch?
The competition includes up to four presentations:

• Two rounds on the first day
• Two rounds on the second day

Finalists will present four times total.
 

What technology is available?
Each presentation room includes:

• Computer with keyboard, mouse, speakers, projector, and clicker
• HDMI input (bring your own cords if connecting a personal device)
• Preferred pitch deck access method: cloud-based platforms such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Canva
   

Can I have props?
Yes, but oversized, hazardous, or venue-restricted props require prior approval from the Center. For support, contact entrepreneurship@unl.edu.
 

Can I observe other teams’ presentations?
Yes, observing other teams is allowed. However, all participants must uphold confidentiality agreements.

How are teams scored?
The Center for Entrepreneurship works diligently to source outstanding judges and prepare them for our events. Each year, judges receive detailed rubrics, scoring guidelines, and recommendations to ensure fairness and consistency across all rooms.

Teams are evaluated on several key areas:

• Problem & Solution Fit – Clear definition of the problem and a validated, effective solution.
• Market & Opportunity – Understanding of target customers, competition, and growth potential.
• Business Model & Financials – Realistic path to revenue and responsible use of funding.
• Traction & Progress – Evidence of progress, milestones, or future plans.
• Team & Leadership – Capability, collaboration, and commitment of the team.
• Presentation & Delivery – Clear, professional, and engaging communication with confident Q&A.

Judges score each area and may provide written feedback to help teams improve for future competitions.
 

Does the highest score always win the room?
Not always. While scores guide the process, judges often deliberate after all pitches to determine who advances. This approach is common at entrepreneurship competitions nationwide, including those hosted by UNL.

A team may have the highest numerical score but not be selected as the winner if judges collectively feel another team shows greater potential, stronger team dynamics, or better long-term execution. As the saying goes, “you’re not just betting on the horse—you’re betting on the jockey.”

The rubric structures fairness (the horse), but human judgment considers the jockey—the people behind the idea. Both matter. The Center for Entrepreneurship is committed to transparency and continuous improvement in how we share criteria and feedback so every participant feels their effort is valued and their work taken seriously.

Do I need to set up an LLC or business bank account before competing?
No. If you win a prize, you’ll need to open a business bank account to receive funds. Contact your bank for setup details.
 

How is prize money distributed?
Prize payments are made via check or direct deposit, depending on your team’s situation. Funds are paid to the business, not individuals, and must be deposited in a business account for business use only.