Awards & Benefits

Through the support of our partners, we have been able to put together a variety of awards that are intended to assist the entrants of the Minnesota Cup as they pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The following is a summary of the awards that will be provided:

Division Winners:

• $25,000 in seed capital (student winner receives $10,000).
• A scholarship for complimentary attendance to the 24th Annual Minnesota Venture & Finance Conference hosted by The Collaborative.
• Final presentation consulting by Spoken Impact.
• Video production and 3 months of hosting via Startupshoppe's Minnesota Startup Showcase.
• Each division has unique awards and benefits. Visit the division pages for more information:
  • Clean Technology & Renewable Energy, BioSciences, High Tech, Social Entrepreneur, General, Student
    
    

Minnesota Cup Grand Prize Winner:

• Additional $25,000 in seed capital.
• The Minnesota Cup, presented by David and Carolyn Cleveland.
• Business services from the Maslon law firm.
  
  

All finalists: (18)

• Featured in a 16 page supplement that is included in the December issue of Twin Cities Business.
• Division Finalist Training - "Winning Investment Presentations" by Spoken Impact.
• Detailed feedback of their final written entry and oral presentation.
• The opportunity to present their plan to an esteemed review board made up of prominent business leaders and investors.
  
  

All semi-finalists: (45-60)

• An invitation to attend a semi-finalist reception at the Carlson School of Management, where they can meet other semi-finalists, members of the review board, and Minnesota Cup partners.
• The opportunity to be paired with a University of Minnesota alumni mentor with extensive entrepreneurial experience.
  
  

All entrants:

• Opportunity to learn about resources available to entrepreneurs and attend events organized/promoted by the Minnesota Cup.
• Networking with Minnesota Cup supporting partners and other entrepreneurs.
• A chance to improve the entrepreneur’s pitch given the required elements of the initial entry, which also represent a basic outline for a business plan.
• One year, complimentary subscription to Twin Cities Business.
• A valuable experience that will help all entrants as they work on their ventures.