Purpose
The purpose of this award shall be to provide seed money to support an enterprising and innovative student at Penn State Berks. The main objective of the award is to allow students to utilize their Penn State Berks education to become entrepreneurs and start businesses which can create jobs in our local community.
Eligibility
The requestor and project lead for this award must be a junior or a senior student majoring in Engineering, Business, or Information Sciences and Technology programs and enrolled at Penn State Berks. All other students enrolled at Penn State Berks are eligible to be a member of the team but can not be the project lead and/or the requestor. Download printable flier »
Selection Procedure
A one-time total grant of between $1,000 and $3,000, as determined by the Review Committee, may be awarded to a successful student or students who demonstrate:
- A passion to start a new business
- A business plan outlining the product requirements and time table for profitability
- A demonstrated product prototype that will be the core of the business plan
- The marketplace, including competition, where the product will be sold
- The sources and locations where the product will be developed, fabricated, and/or obtained
- An understanding of the quality, safety and ethical issues as well as any government regulations required of the new business
- A mentor who will assist, guide, and support the student during the startup phase.
Follow-up
A student or students who receive a one-time award will be requested to return to the campus at a later date to share their experiences with Penn State Berks students. Coordination of the follow-up and speaking engagements will be handled by the Head of the Entrepreneurship Program.
Application
Application is a 3-Step Process
- Apply by 5 pm, March 15, 2012 - View Application Form »
- Complete Business Plan by 5 pm, Mar. 30, 2012 - View Business Plan Structure »
- Present Proposal to the New Enterprise Award Committee
Resources
How to write a business plan - www.sba.gov
Required Sections of Businss Plan - View Business Plan Structure Guide »
Evaluation
The New Enterprise Award Committee will evaluate each business plan and contact potential award recipients to schedule their presentation.
New Enterprise Award Committee
James Laurie
Instructor of Business, Penn State Berks
Visit James Laurie's Faculty Profile Page
Dr. Sadan Kulturel
Associate Professor of Management Information Systems, Penn State Berks
Program Coordinator for the Entrepreneurship Minor
Visit Dr. Sadan Kulturel's Faculty Profile Page
Elizabeth Wiggins
Lecturer of Engineering, Penn State Berks
Coordinator of the PSU-Berks Learning Factory
Visit Elizabeth Wiggins' Faculty Page
Todd R. Schorle
President/Account Manager
TS-Technology
www.ts-tech.com
Award Announcements
Award recipients will be notified by April 30, 2012.
New Student Enterprise Award