The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) ranks the UW-Whitewater Entrepreneurship major as a top Entrepreneurship Program in the nation. In addition to the practical courses and accredited program, student entrepreneurs have access to unique programs to develop their business idea, test their entrepreneurial skills, and make connections.
UW-Whitewater Student Entrepreneurs are eligible for the following programs and clubs:
Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO): The local, student-run chapter gives students the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship, learn from alumni and entrepreneurs, and network with their peers. CEO meets every Wednesday at 5:15 pm in Hyland Hall.
Launch Pad: The student startup accelerator program educates, inspires, and assists students with the acceleration of startups. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply to the program. Through the Launch Pad program, students receive office space at the Whitewater University Innovation Center where they can collaborate and meet with other entrepreneurs.
The UW-Whitewater CEO chapter also presents two annual competitions, where students have the opportunity to pitch their business idea and compete for prizes.
Warhawk Business Plan Competition: The annual Warhawk Business Plan Competition takes place every Spring. Students apply by submitting an idea abstract in stage 1. Students develop a full business plan and video in stage 2. Finalists pitch their idea in stage 3. Only 6 students advance to the final rounds and pitch in the Warhawk Business Plan Competition.
Elevator Pitch Competition: The annual Elevator Pitch Competition takes place every fall. Students are encouraged to apply and participate in the preliminary round. Finalists will be notified if they advance to the final round, where they compete for cash and other prizes.
Many successful entrepreneurs have participated in these programs, including: Henry Schwartz of MobCraft Beer, Joe Scalin of Scanalytics, Chris Roche of RecruitChute, Sam Lukach with HUK TV Mounts, and many more!