Dozens of budding entrepreneurs came out Tuesday night to learn more about opportunities at MassChallenge, a $1M global startup competition and accelerator designed to catalzye the launch and success of high-growth, high-impact new businesses.
MassChallenge is based in Boston and is a non-for-profit incubator, or accelerator. Entrants submit a short business plan to MassChallenge. A portion of those are selected for a four month accelerator program that includes free office space, mentorship and training, access to funding, media and more. Plans must be submitted by March 1. The cost is $199.
Scott Bailey, the director of partnerships at MassChallenge, hosted the group of business students in Kalkin 110. Bailey graduated from the University of Vermont School of Business Administration in 2009 with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. After graduation, he served as the Director of Client Programs at the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET), a non-profit business incubator. At MassChallenge, Bailey plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the accelerator program and competition.
"The purpose of the event was to let students know about MassChallenge, the largest accelerator and startup competition where the winners split $1M in cash, no strings attached," said Bailey. "I hope I was able to get students interested in getting involved in the startup community."
"We had a terrific turnout for this event," said Sue Schlom, career and professional development advisor at the School of Business Administration. "Whether sponsored by a club, the business school or the university, speakers like Scott Bailey give students real world perspective to enhance what they learn in the classroom. In addition to learning about a company or industry, networking opportunities open many doors to internships or jobs."
The School of Business Administration will welcome Jeffrey Hollander, co-founder and former CEO of Seventh Generation, on February 15 as its next guest for the Dean's Leadership Spearker Series. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
