The Enterprise Challenge is Entre’s flagship event. 

This 9-week long accelerator that helps tertiary students from across Ōtautahi (UC, Ara or Lincoln, etc.) start their entrepreneurial journey. Over these 9 weeks you will talk with experts to take your idea/small business to the next level. Additionally, you will be directly paired with a mentor who will give you advice throughout the challenge.

We know you are busy students and your time is valuable. Over the 9 weeks you can expect to spend around 4 hours weekly on this Challenge learning crucial skills to progress your idea.

The challenge will conclude with a Dragon Den's style pitch night with $50k up for grabs!

This challenge is open to individuals or teams. 

If you are already selling products, or only have an idea, this is the perfect opportunity for you. It’s easy to apply (with the link below and on the last page of this document) and there is much to gain!

 

What will you gain from the experience?

Over this challenge you will build skills in validation, venture idea development, and gain connections with industry experts that will help you throughout your careers. You will have a better understanding of different business models and improve your public presentation skills. Most importantly, you get to work on an idea you are passionate about and have fun!

 

Go ahead, launch your idea, and submit your application...

 

Applications open on 15th May 2023 and must be filled out by Midnight on 11th June 2023.

 

It will take about 10-15 minutes to complete (+ video time). Detailed notes about the rules and guidelines for the challenge can be found here: 2023 Enterprise Challenge Rules & Guidelines.

 

During the application process you will be asked to provide an overview of your idea, the target market/customer, and benefits your idea creates for these customer segments. Alongside what you hope to gain from participating and the skills you'd like to develop during the Enterprise Challenge.

 

You will be asked to provide a 1-2 minute video that explains your idea and why you are passionate about it. This should be prepared before you begin your submission and should include all team members (if applicable).

 
Please note that only one member of your team needs to fill out the application form, however, you will need to provide details for each member of your team. You (and any applicable team members) must be members of Entre to participate in the Enterprise Challenge.

 
Selection is based on the desirability, viability, and feasibility of the idea, your willingness to commit to the Challenge, and the potential benefits the workshops and mentoring provided through the Enterprise Challenge could provide to you and your venture.

 

Key dates:

The Enterprise Challenge runs over Semester 2. In choosing to submit your application you should try to ensure you are available over the following period and are prepared to dedicate 3-4 hours per week (on average) for workshops/activities associated with the Challenge, alongside the time required for developing your venture.

 

• 15 May - Applications open
• 23 May - Enterprise Launch Challenge Info Evening
• 11th June - Applications close
• 30th June - Participants Selected and notified 
• 22, 23 July - Bootcamp (1-2 day workshop TBC)
• 31 July - Pairing with mentors
• 24 July - 25th August / 11 September - 2 October - Weekly Workshops (excludes mid-term break)
• 9 October - Pitch Practice Evening
• 12 October - Final pitch night + winners announced

 

Weekly workshops: Weekly workshops and inspiring speaker sessions will be held Monday evenings between 5:15 - 8pm. The weeks of these workshops will be over the periods of 24th July - 25th August/11th September - 2nd October).

 

Note: These dates are subject to change at the discretion of the Entre Executive Team. Reasonable notice will be given to competitors of any change to these dates.