While the national economy continues to weaken, a North Dakota competition that helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses is having a banner year.
Due to the high quality and strong potential of the participants in this year’s Innovate ND program, judges have chosen 30 top ideas to continue in the competition for another six weeks compared to the 20 top ideas that are typically advanced at this phase of the competition.
“The quality and variety of entrants this year is impressive,”Jeff Stamp, chair of entrepreneurship at UND, said.“These businesses have great potential.We have more international businesses, green products and energy-related ventures than ever. We want to see more financial information from these teams before we narrow it down to 20.”
The top 30 ideas are invited to attend the Ideas at Work Boot Camp in Grand Forks on March 14. This event will help finalists develop their financial data and offer tips for pitching their ideas to Innovate ND judges in the final round.
Participants will be narrowed to 20 on April 10 when final business plans, financials and power point presentations are due. These ideas will then proceed to the final round of oral presentations and judging May 18 in Bismarck. The five Innovate ND Idea champions will be announced at the Innovate ND Awards Banquet May 19.
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