J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge

Jan. 13: Application opens
Jan. 21: Virtual info session | Noon - 1 p.m. | Zoom link to come
Feb. 28: Applications close at 11:59 p.m.
March 7: Semi-finalists will be notified by 11:59 p.m.
March 28: Semi-finalists must submit executive business plan summary
April 4: Finalists will be notified by 11:59 p.m.
April 16: Finals (live pitch event)

The Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute and LSU Innovation will partner to host a series of optional prep workshops in January and February. Details coming soon!

Round I: Application and video pitch submission. Submissions are generally accepted from late January through February.

Round II: Semi-finalists will submit a five-page executive business plan and pitch deck 

Round III: Three finalists will present live in-person pitches at the Business Education Complex, typically in April. Each finalist will receive a share of the $35,000 prize. The minimum prize is $5,000; the maximum prize is $25,000.

Competitors are required to meet all submission deadlines and guidelines.  

• Applicants must be current LSU-system students (undergraduate or graduate) or alumni who graduated within the last year.

• Entries must be on-campus students (not LSU Online); alumni must have completed an on-campus degree program.

• Individual or team submissions are welcome.

• Applicants cannot be part of multiple teams. 

• Competitors must be present during the entire competition and the final presentation. 

• LSU student(s) must represent at least 51% of company ownership.

• Ventures cannot exceed $150K in lifetime revenue and/or $250K in lifetime equity investment.

• Finalists must have an LLC for their venture before funds are dispersed from the final pitch competition.

• Prize funds will be awarded directly to the LLCs of the three finalists. Funds will not be issued to individuals. The Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute does not provide guidance on the use/disbursement of these funds; these decisions are at the discretion of the founder(s).