Meet the Startup Challenge 'Sharks' for the 4th Annual Muscatine Entrep Expo Business Competition

The 4th Annual Muacatine Entrepreneurship Exposition announces its panel of judges (sharks) for the upcoming Startup Challenge Business Pitch Competition.

John Fox, entrepreneur and owner of SignPro of Muscatine; Mel McMains, SCORE Counselor and retired HNI Corp. financial executive; and Bill Phelan, entrepreneur and retired CEO of the Greater Muscatine  Chamber of Commerce & Industry will serve as 'sharks' for the Startup Challenge Business Competition finals to be held at Muscatine Community College (MCC) May 6, 2015.

Over a dozen budding entrepreneurs from the Muscatine area will show and pitch their business ideas during the Startup Challenge Expo and networking reception held in Strahan Hall at MCC starting at 5pm.  Beginning at 6:30pm, five pre-selected finalists and on 'Peoples Choice' finalist will have an opportunity to pitch in a shark-tank style competition to Fox, McMains, Phelan and a public audience.  The Pitch Off finals will take place in the Little Theatre in MCC's Strahan Hall.

The winner of the Startup Challenge Business Pitch Competition will receive two all-access passes to EntreFest, Iowa's biggest entrepreneurship conference, free business consulting, and a startup marketing package from the E-Center.

Before announcing the winner, Nate Kaeding (UIowa & NFL Star and serial entrepreneur) will close the Expo with his talk "Startup strong with leadership, the creative mindset, and a 'can-do' attitude".

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MEE15- Startup Challenge Promo

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Startup Challenge Pitch Competitor Application

So you have a big idea?

Pitch it during the 4th Annual Startup Challenge Expo Pitch Competition

Muscatine Startup Challenge Expo 2015
Contestant Application

So you have a big idea and you're a budding entrepreneur?

Compete in the Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition STARTUP CHALLENGE EXPO 2015 for prizes, mentoring and coaching by seasoned entrepreneurs who've been there and done it.

GRAND PRIZE (valued over $1000) Two EntreFest 2015 Full Registrations, Small Biz Startup Printing Kit, SBDC / SCORE Consulting 

RUNNERUP PRIZE (valued over $500) Small Biz Startup Printing Kit, SBDC / SCORE Consulting 

To apply, complete this simple online form.  

Five finalists will be selected to pitch their ideas in the 4th Annual Business Pitch Competition and  up to 15 semifinalists will be selected to participate in the Startup Challenge Exhibits on May 6.  

Semifinalists and finalists will be notified by phone and email no later than April 30.

Online Application Deadline is 5pm, Monday, April 20, 2015.

Apply Now!  

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#MadeInMuscatine -- 4th Annual Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition (E-Day)

#MadeInMuscatine is the theme for the 4^th Annual Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition (E-Day) which expands to two days this year featuring local and regional entrepreneurs as keynote speakers.  The event is set for May 5 and 6, 2015.

Douglas Buster, President of Fabricators Plus, will kick off the 4^th Annual Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition on Tuesday May 5^th in the Founder’s Forum – a student, invitation-only event to be held at the Muscatine History and Industry Center. 

Fabricators Plus is a single source, full service provider of custom metal fabricated products and a contract manufacturer serving customers in Iowa and the Midwest for over 10 years.

Daniel Nietzel, Founder/Inventor/President of Fighting Chance Solutions is also scheduled to tell students his company’s startup story.

Fighting Chance Solutions (FCS) was formed when educator Nietzel conceived an idea to help protect students and teachers in an active shooter or violent intruder scenario in a school by securing the door closer arm found on most classroom doors. Often in schools, classrooms only lock from the outside, forcing a teacher into the line of fire to secure the room. Nietzel and his co-founders created The Sleeve and began marketing it to schools and companies throughout the world in June 2014.

Both Fabricators Plus and Fighting Chance Solutions are Muscatine companies.

Nate Kaeding, former University of Iowa & National Football League star and Serial Entrepreneur is the scheduled capstone speaker for the event on Wednesday, May 6^th.  Kaeding will share his insights on how leadership, the creative mindset and a ‘can-do’ attitude are key ingredients to entrepreneurial success. He is a Founding Partner in Shorts Burger & Shine Restaurant, Tailgate (brick & mortar retail store), and Pullman Bar & Diner.  

In addition to keynote addresses, student e-speed networking activities and conversations with entrepreneurs, the event features on Wednesday, May 6th the Startup Challenge Reception & Starup Challenge Exhibits to be held in Strahan Hall at Muscatine Community College.

Following his keynote address, Kaeding will help announce the winner of the 4^th Annual Startup Challenge Business Pitch Competition to end the 2-day Entrepreneurship Exposition.

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When the deadline is looming ... true entrepreneurs have no fear!

Having just returned home from MCC and the E-Center where a team of 5 student entrepreneurs burned the midnight (well almost) oil, I can't help but write a brief note about initiative, drive and entrepreneurship.

I was sharing with my son on the way home that we had people from 4 different continents working on E-Day stuff tonight.  These five particular students come to this community, college, and country with a thirst to learn, grow and experience everything they possibly can. And from where I sit, it's awesome to see the drive they each possess.  As their teacher, I love it that I don't 'teach' anything ... it's a blast to be able to offer direction and sit back and watch them make things happen!  And that my friends, is the essence of entrepreneurship!

It is my pleasure to be their 'teacher'!

~~ Jim E., Muscatine Community College Marketing, Management & Entrepreneurship Professor.

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Directions

Directions

The Entrepreneurial event would take place in Muscatine History and Industrial Center Home of the pearl button Museum.

The directions are given from Muscatine community college 152 Colorado St,  to 117 West 2nd St 


For more information you can contact Muscatine History and Industry center at
563 263 1052 or visit them on the web at www.muscatinehistory.org

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From Bakers, Bloogers to Bugs ... or is it Beauty and the Beasts?

Bloggers, bug killers, pizza bakers and more will coach students during the E-SPEED ROUNDTABLE WORKSHOPS this Thursday at the 3rd Annual E-Day, officially known as the Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition.

Local entrepreneurs and business owners will meet face-to-face with Muscatine Community College and area High School students to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of starting and managing a business.

Entrpereneurs slated to participate in the E-SPEED ROUNDTABLE event include:

• Gisele Goodwin, founder and CEO of Giyupi.com a Beauty & Fashion Blog
• Liz Curtiss, owner of Curtis Pest Control
• Mary Wildermuth, Executive Director of the Muscatine History & Industry Center
• Sam Vitale, restaurateur and owner of Francesca & Salvatore Vitale's Italian Restaurant

Students should come prepared to ask these experienced business people anything they think they need to know to start their business.  You'll get 10 minutes with each, so make it a rapid fire Q&A!

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