Round One: Online Judging, March 1st-March 8th

• A remote judging round based on the application questions.
• Judges will evaluate on concept, deliverability, how the company solves a problem, business model, and investability.
• Up to 20 teams will be notified if advancing to the semi-final round.
• Application deadline is March 1st

Round Two: Semi-finals, April 15th, 2024

• Selected semi-finalists (up to 20 teams) will be notified by March 24, 2023.
• Each semi-finalist will pitch their ideas to a live panel of investor judges on campus.
• Judging will be based on a 5 minute pitch, pitch deck, and 5 minutes of Q&A.
• The top two teams from each group will advance to the Finals.

Round Three: Finals, April 16th, 2024 

• Finalist teams will present to a panel of judges.
• Order of presentation will be randomly selected.
• Teams will get 5 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of Q&A

Winners Announced, April 16th, 2024
The 2024 prize pool will total $15,000

• High School Division  $5,000
  • The total amount will be split among the top 3 winners as well as the winner of the Nazarene Youth Award. Only high schoolers affiliated with a Nazarene church are eligible for the Nazarene Youth Award.
  • Nazarene Youth Award (High school student affiliated with the Nazarene Church): $250
• College & Career Division $10,000
  • The total amount will be split among the top 3 winners in the Business as Mission track as well as the For-Profit Business track and the Tiger Spirit award. Only current Olivet students are eligible for the Tiger Spirit Award.
  • Business as Mission Track
  • For Profit Business Track
  • Tiger Spirit Award (ONU students only): $250

Eligibility:
All currently enrolled college or university students and Olivet Nazarene University Alumni are eligible to compete. Affiliation with the business school is not required. Pitches can be from individuals or teams.

All business concepts must be created, managed, and owned by the participant/team who is registered for the competition. (At least 50% ownership is required by a college or university student or  ONU Alumni)

Team Rules:
Teams may consist of 2-6 students or Alumni. At least one participant is required to be a currently enrolled student or have graduated from ONU.

Teams are to designate one person to be the team lead. This team member will be the point of contact for the competition.

Competition Rules:
Round One will take place online. All participants who meet the submission criteria by the deadline will compete in the online round. Participants advancing to the next round will be notified.

Round Two Semi-finals will take place live on ONU campus. Participants will be divided into randomly selected competition tracks with a separate panel of judges. The 5 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of Q&A will be strictly enforced. The top two teams from each track will advance to the finals. Feedback will be provided and then may be used to revise final presentations.

Round Three Finals will have the top teams pitch live to judges on the main stage.  The 5 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of Q&A will be strictly enforced. The team’s presentation order will be randomly chosen.

Teams may have up to two presenters for the final presentation.

Judging is based on but not limited to: originality, concept feasibility, business model, market opportunity, competitive advantage, presentation and well-researched.

Fees and Expenses:
There is no charge to participate in the competition or to attend. Participants are responsible for their own travel, meals and housing.

Faculty/Staff/Outside Advisors:
Participants are encouraged to seek outside advice. Advisors may attend the event and must register separately.

Disclosures: 
Olivet Nazarene University does not assume any responsibility nor can provide any guarantees in regards to confidentiality. All sessions and competitions are open to the public which may include radio, television, or internet.
Judges will use discretion with information, but cannot guarantee non-disclosure.

All affiliates and organizers of the conference may use photographs, video/audio in any book or other printed materials and any digital or physical medium that they produce.

These Rules and Guidelines may be updated at any time.