J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge

Do you have a big idea?

Pitch it for a chance to win a share of $35,000. This system-wide business plan competition is open to all on-campus LSU students and alumni (graduated within the last year) no matter their majors. Three finalists are selected to pitch for a share of startup cash in the final round in this Shark Tank-style event.

For more than a decade, the J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge has provided capital to help LSU students launch and grow startup businesses. Whether you are operating a business or developing an idea but don't have business experience, this competition is for you.

Applications have closed for the 2023 competition.

2023 Competition Details

Round I: Application and video pitch submission. Round I submissions are closed.

Round II: Semi-finalists will submit a five-page executive business plan and pitch deck
Due date: March 29
Finalists will be announced April 5.

Round III: Three finalists will present live in-person pitches at the Business Education Complex on April 19. Each finalist will receive a share of the $35,000 prize.

New this year! Optional sessions and workshops will help teams navigate the process and perfect their pitches.

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.

Video pitch submissions are limited to two minutes. Watch this video for more on what makes a good submission.

Workshop: Financial Tutorial
Friday, March 10
All semi-finalists will receive a recorded tutorial on performing financial calculations and writing the financial portion of the business plan.

Open consultations for semi-finalists
Week of March 20
Entrepreneurship faculty will provide consultations to semi-finalists about their five-page executive business plans and pitch decks via one-on-one meetings.

2022 Venture Challenge Results

First place: Guise Medical LLC
Prize: $18,000
Student Founders: Zachary Connelly, Ross Rieger, and Evan Falgoust
Guise Medical LLC's patented MED-Pal covers aim to alleviate the stress of needles at medical visits for kids.

Second place: Chckup
Prize: $10,000
Student Founders: Elliott Greenwood, Colin Hebert '21, Matthew Leyoub '21, and George Villaume '21
Chckup reduces friction and increases customer conversions for appointment bookings through our two-sided platform for vet clinics and pet owners.

Third place: Vibrant Entertainment Group
Prize: $2,000
Student Founders: Hunter Juneau '21, Blake Ducoing, and Emily Rose
Vibrant provides start to finish event planning while ensuring a smooth-flowing, stress-free, and overall memorable event.