The Paso Del Norte Venture Competition + EXPO 2015
The Paso del Norte Venture Competition and Expo 2015 (PDNVC+E) provides a venue to connect emerging innovative businesses with entrepreneurial talent and capital, as well as provide them an occasion to develop new opportunities, and become active players in the regional economy.
The PDNVC+E features two competition tracks, one for university students and one for entrepreneurs launching start-ups in the region. Over two days, these teams, competing in either the professional or student track, present their ventures to judges who are successful business people and entrepreneurs. Both tracks will challenge competitors to not only have a clear investor presentation and business model, but will push competitors into making their companies more viable for the market.
All participants in the venture competition gain exposure to possible investors, judges, regional entrepreneurs and the community in an all-day Expo.
At the Expo, participants will be able to interact with both the student and professional entrepreneurs who will have tables and displays set up to demonstrate their ideas and products.
The PDNVC+E will be held Friday March 6th at the Camino Real Hotel, and Saturday March 7th at the College of Business Administration Building on the UTEP campus. The PDNVC+E is free and open to the public.
Professional Track Eligibility Requirements for PDNVC+E 2015
Professional teams must be:
- Developing or expanding businesses that contribute to our regional economy (El Paso, Las Cruces, Cd. Juarez)
- Poised to potentially serve global markets beyond the region
- Meeting 2 of the following 3 additional criteria:
- In business in the region no longer than five years
- Less than $1 million in total 2014 annual revenue
- Fewer than 10 Full Time Employees (FTEs) in the region
Apply
DEADLINE EXTENDED!
To apply submit the simple , no later than 9:00 AM February 16, 2015. When we receive your completed signed application, we will promptly notify you as to whether or not you meet eligibility requirements. If you do, you must submit the $75 application fee to reserve a spot. The first 30 eligible companies that apply and pay the $75 fee will participate.
Submit Payment
Do not pay the registration fee until you receive verification that you meet eligibility requirements for the PDNVC+E 2015. Once you have received that notification please pay the $75 nonrefundable registration fee in order to participate. The first 30 eligible companies that pay will be able to participate.
Important Deadlines for the Professional Track
DEADLINE EXTENDED February 16 – Deadline to Submit completed application. Must be in by 9:00 am!
February 27- Last day to practice 5-minute pitches with Hub Staff
Student Track Eligibility Requirements for PDNVC+E 2015
Students must
- Have played a major role in conceiving the venture
- Have key management roles in the venture
- Own at least 51% equity in the venture.
- The maximum number of students on a Competition Team is five, although there is no restriction on the total size of the venture’s founding team.
- Students must be enrolled the academic year in which the competition is held.
- At least one of the members of the Competition Team must be a graduate student**
Note: Non-students may be members of the venture’s management team and may participate in planning the venture. However, only students may participate in the competition.
** In order to qualify for GVLIC, the first place team should have a majority of graduate students. If the team does not meet the requirements they will not be able attend, however this rule does not exclude any team to participate at PDNVC+E.
Apply
For more information on the rules and eligibility requirements of the student track, click . To begin the application process, click .
Important Deadlines for the Student Track
January 26, 2015: Submission of Team Intent to Participate form.
February 24, 2015: Submission of electronic copy of the written business plan, team eligibility, release, and prize money forms.
Sponsors of the PDNVC+E 2015
