M West Challenge

West Michigan's Student Entrepreneurship Competition

Welcome to the 2023 MWest Challenge, a student venture competition designed to create cross collaboration between students that span across several universities from West Michigan. Through MWest, entrepreneurially minded students are able to develop and grow new ventures based on their own ideas. MWest involves eight West Michigan colleges and universities, representing 75,000 students from: Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, Davenport University, Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, Kuyper College, and Hope College.

circle1.jpg

MWEST JUMPSTART KICKOFF

This is an informational event that also serves as a match-making event for entrepreneurial co-founders. Students will get the opportunity to meet up with other students, pitch their ideas and build a team.  Participants will learn about the elements required in the executive summary and see an example of a successful finalist pitch presentation. This is a great event for those intending to compete, as well as those who are curious about the competition.

circle2.jpg

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Team leader must complete an Executive Summary by the registration deadline. The summary should not exceed 3 pages in a typed Word format, or 7 slides in a PowerPoint slide format. The Executive Summary is MANDATORY for involvement within the remaining two rounds. Registration is not considered complete until the Executive Summary is submitted as well. The Executive Summary will be reviewed and scored by external judges who will select the top 8 teams to compete in the final, as well as the top 27 teams for the Innovation Showcase round!

 

circle3.jpg

INNOVATION SHOWCASE & 90 SECOND PITCH

30 MWest teams will be selected to compete in a Poster session and 90 second pitch (3 teams from each of the sponsoring schools).  Teams will be able to showcase their products, services and ideas, as well as network with the entrepreneurial and investor community.

 

circle4.jpg

 MWEST FINAL PITCH COMPETITION

8 MWest teams will be selected to compete in the Final MWest Challenge Pitch Competition.  The teams will have 7 minutes, with 3 minutes for Q&A, to present their concept to a panel of judges.