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We have received a great deal of feedback from past entrants. We have learned that for many, whether they were a finalist, a semi-finalist or an entrant, that participation in the Minnesota Cup was valuable. One of the common threads we heard from many was that the Minnesota Cup helped many entrepreneurs think about how best to express their business idea and stand out in a crowd. Further, we continue to hear from those that finish in the top that they are able to meet people and expand their network in a way that has benefited their business.

Following are comments we have received over the years from entrants, semi-finalist and finalist in the Minnesota Cup :

The Minnesota Cup competition opened up a world of networking opportunities that would have otherwise taken years to develop. It has been a positive experience in all aspects of our business development and we strongly encourage any entrepreneur to take the time needed to aggressively pursue this competition.

- Michelle Gobrecht, Snap Pea, 2007 Minnesota Cup Finalist

This event is a must for any company looking to move their idea forward. In our experience, participation in the MN Cup provided us with:

1. A great "bullpen" of advisors that have the horsepower to assist us with our plan. We are still working with our original advisor. His assistance has been critical to our success.

2. Business Plan requirements - Basic 101, blocking and tackling on how to build the plan and requirements that an investor will demand. No business plan, no capital.

3. Great feedback from industry leaders to make your plan stronger.

4. Strong network in the Investment community, we still are making contacts from Scott and Dan almost 1 year later.

- Greg Pavett, It'sFresh! Incorporated, 2nd Place Finisher in the 2007 Minnesota Cup

We believe that winning the competition last year was critical to getting our idea out of the metaphorical garage. We strongly encourage other entrepreneurs and early stage business owners to enter. We came away from the contest with a clear idea on how to move our business to the next stage, making key connections to important people and resources along the way.

- Andy Vander Woude, Vast Enterprises, 2006 Minnesota Cup winner

Competing in the Minnesota Cup was an incredibly valuable experience. Doug and I knew we had a good idea and we certainly had passion, but through the Cup we were able to develop a team of lawyers, accountants and MBA-trained consultants that both validated and super-charged our business. The Minnesota Cup contacts were instrumental in helping us complete an acquisition deal with McNeil Nutritionals, a company owned by Johnson & Johnson, who want to make our products more broadly available.

- Lisa Powell, HealthSimple LLC, Third Place finisher in the 2005 Minnesota Cup

Got a great invention or business idea, but are hesitating to enter it in the Minnesota Cup? What are you afraid of? Success? I can tell you from my experience with the Minnesota Cup, that what you gain from being a part of it's energy, win or lose, will propel your idea into reality and toward success. The individuals involved in this competition analyze every entry. They care. That commitment has created a competition that returns more than just one winner. As a semi-finalist, the Minnesota Cup has forced me to more fully develop my thinking of my business and myself. The result has been more open doors, more opportunities, more quickly than I could have ever attained had I not participated in the Minnesota Cup.

- Joe Serrano, Vantagio, 2005 & 2006 Minnesota Cup Semi-Finalist

Inventions are grass roots efforts. Inventors work long hours alone carried by their dreams. Friends and family may or may not understand what we do or why. The day an invention first sees the light of day is a turning point. Arcswitch began years ago in Dave's basement and we spent countless hours there building and testing switches. The Minnesota Cup contest represented a unique chance to validate our work. Though we are very grateful to have won first prize, we now realize the work we did to prepare for the contest and the feedback we received during it were the most valuable rewards. We're now building on those experiences and will honor the Minnesota Cup with our success.

- John Berger and David Emmons, Arcswitch, Winners of the 2005 Minnesota Cup

What a wonderful, positive way of handling your feedback. I am very impressed by this contest and the way it was handled. The opportunities for learning you created by offering links to business start up information, along with the most positive and constructive rejection letter I have ever seen, leaves me very very impressed with the concept and the execution of this contest.?Thank you!

- Minnesota Cup Entrant

The Minnesota Cup competition was our Super Bowl. It was a great catalyst to enable everyone in the company to focus our attention on developing a top level business plan that would drive us to success on a national level. It was a great experience and we liked everything about it. Going through the process was incredibly helpful in opening new doors of opportunity. Enter this competition if you need assistance with contacts, sharpening your business plan or want to validate your idea. Good Luck!

- Paul Kozlicki, PICC STAT, 2005 Minnesota Cup Finalist

"As entrepreneurs, we are required to wear many hats. We are the business fanatic and evangelist. We are the research and development group and the sales machine. We are the dreamers. It is said that at the base and birth of every great business is an enthusiast. The Minnesota Cup is the leading venue for putting your business idea and enthusiasm on center stage. The experience will expedite your growth as an entrepreneur and the growth of your concept."

- Lief Larson, Consumable Media, 2005 Minnesota Cup Finalist

Our Company, ERBUS Inc., holds the recognition and accomplishment of winning the 2005 "Finalist Winner Title" in the Governor's first-ever Minnesota Cup Competition with great pride when presenting our technology, ERBUS The Emergency Response Backup Utility System, to the many top National and International Government officials, decision-makers, and media community in the U.S., State of Minnesota, Washington, DC., as well as the many other education, business, and industry global leaders who may be involved in contributing to the success of helping ERBUS Inc., build a successful Minnesota Company. We feel the recognition and award of winning a top Finalist Title gives our team and the business community a strong platform of support, endorsement, and confidence that we hold the next great business "Breakthrough Idea," for Minnesota."
-Deborah Yungner, ERBUS Inc., 2005 Minnesota Cup Finalist