Pitch It To Win It! 2013 Concept2Venture Challenge Business Plan Competition Kicks Off Today

Kristen Perhach | Posted on October 07, 2013

The UIC Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies invites the UIC community to participate in the 2013 Concept2Venture (C2V) Challenge. The C2V Challenge is open to anyone in the UIC community – students, postdocs, alumni, faculty and staff. If you have an idea for a new business venture, join the 2013 C2V Challenge for your chance to win cash and prizes! A total of $10,000 will be awarded to winning teams.

2013 C2V Challenge Launch Party Heading link

Today, October 7, from 4:30-6:00pm

UIC Student Center East, East Terrace, 2nd floor (next to Inner Circle)

Meet former C2V Champions and other participating teams in the 2013 C2V Challenge. Meet industry professionals who will coach you with your business idea, and chat with alumni who have been through C2V in the past. Pitch your idea to others and build your team. Refreshments will be served. Registration is free. Sign-up online: https://c2vlaunchparty.eventbrite.com/

Upcoming C2V Challenge Seminars Heading link

For help with developing your business idea, participants are welcome to attend a full line-up of seminars and events, hosted by the UIC Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies. All seminars will take place in Room 106 of the Sandi Port Errant Language & Culture Learning Center (Grant Hall).

Market Analysis & Customer Validation (I) – Monday, October 28- 4:30-6:00pm

Market Analysis & Customer Validation (II) – Monday, November 4 -4:30-6:00pm

Building a Business- Monday, November 11- 4:30-6:00pm

Practice Pitch Nights – Monday, December 9- Friday, December 13

To reserve a seat at any of these upcoming seminars, visit http://uicc2vchallenge.eventbrite.com/.

What types of business ventures are pitched at C2V Challenge?
All ideas and ventures are welcome – no idea is too big or too small. The C2V Challenge has seen everything from a coffee shop to a medical mobile app to a search engine for frequent flyer seats. Last year, top awards went to a microbrew beer app, an industrial coating company and a data storage system.

How does the C2V Challenge work?

  1. Participants need to an idea for a business or want to join the challenge.
  2. Form or join a team (recommended team size is 2-5 people).
  3. Plan to attend the IES seminars and receive one-on-one coaching with IES staff and C2V Champions (previous C2V participants and mentors).
  4. Submit your Intent to Compete, Business Venture Presentation, and Executive Summary on time.
  5. Present at the 2-day C2V Challenge, December 16-17, in Douglas Hall.
What happens at the C2V Challenge?
Day 1- December 16 – Semifinals
Teams are placed into different tracks to present to a panel of distinguished judges (think Shark Tank). Our judges include serial entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and investors. One winner from each track advances to the finals.
Day 2 -December 17- Finals and Elevator Pitch 
All teams return for the Elevator Pitch competition. All finalist teams compete for the grand prize. All winners are announced.
Why should you compete in the C2V Challenge?
In addition to the possibility of winning prize money, you also have C2V Challenge bragging rights. And you get to introduce yourself to a network of entrepreneurs, potential investors and employers!
Ready to get started?
Submit the Intent to Compete form and attend tonight’s Launch Party to get started!
Important Dates
  • Oct 21: Last day to submit an Intent to Compete
  • Nov 15: Last day to submit first draft of venture business presentation/slide deck
  • Dec 9: Last day to submit the Executive Summary
  • Dec 13: Last day to submit final venture business presentation/slide deck
  • Dec 16-17: 2013 C2V Challenge
For more information on C2V, visit business.uic.edu/c2v.
For a full write-up of the winners of last year’s competition, click here.
If you have questions about the C2V Business Plan competition, contact Denise Ching, 312-996-2670. 
Modified on October 01, 2021