Competitions and Events

Looking to make your business concept a reality? These competitions aim to challenge students and gain real-world opportunities and skills. Every semester the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) in partnership with the student Chico Entrepreneurial Association (CEA) sponsor a Business Concept Competition that challenges students to create their own business concept to be presented to a panel of highly experienced judges.

The CFE is also host to the highly anticipated eWeek, a series of events during one week in April that includes executive lectures, movie screenings, discussion panels, and more. eWeek is followed by the Future Four Competition in which multiple universities compete by presenting their entrepreneurial endeavors for a chance at business seed money and expert advice. Contact the Center for Entrepreneurship for more information in Glenn 221 or call 530-898-4821.

Elevator Pitch Contest  |  eWeek  |  Business Concept Competition  |  Pitch Party  |  The Future 4 & More Competition

Elevator Pitch Contest

The Chico State Elevator Pitch Contest gives students from all majors a chance to present 90-second pitches describing their business concept. Students compete for the winning title, prize money, and the chance to move on to the spring Business Concept Competition. Elevator pitches are short, sweet, and an essential part to the entrepreneurial process. This event was created not only to give students the chance to highlight their business ideas, but also the chance to showcase some of CSU, Chico's most innovative and entrepreneurial students. 

eWeek

The highly anticipated eWeek hosts a series of events every April that includes executive lectures, movie screenings, discussion panels, and ends with The Future 4 business concept competition. Previous eWeek events have included executive hosts such as Chris Hendricks, Vice President of Interactive Media at the McClatchy Company; Alexa Benson-Valavanis, President & CEO of the North Valley Community Foundation; Greg Chagaris, CSO and Co-Found of Outsell, Inc. and more. Check back every spring semester for the full schedule. 

Business Concept Competition

The Business Concept Competition (BCC) is one of Chico State's most anticipated events as it is open to all currently enrolled Chico State students, including graduate students. The best businesses begin as a solution to a problem. The BCC is designed to help students turn their solution to a pressing problem into what may become their own business. The winner of the BCC will be nominated to enter the Future Four Competition.

Pitch Party

Students are challenged to present their best business concepts to a multitude of guest judges for a chance to win prizes. Each participants has five minutes to convince the judges and audience participants that their business is worth investing. 

The Future 4 & More

Capping off eWeek is the Future Four Competition, the Center for Entrepreneurship's most exciting event. The Future 4 & More Competition is a four-school contest featuring the best entrepreneurship students and their ideas from Chico, Humboldt, Sacramento, and Sonoma State Universities.