Emerging Entrepreneurs Scholarship
The Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship recognizes that financial assistance can be a barrier for many students pursuing future entrepreneurial ventures. To help alleviate this burden, we offer the Emerging Entrepreneurs Scholarships, a two-tiered scholarship program for eligible students. These scholarships are awarded in Fall and Winter semester to selected students from all fields of study.
TIER 1: $250 SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is the perfect opportunity for students enrolled in ENTR 180 Fall/Winter to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. The Tier 1: $250 scholarship will assist you in refining your business idea and comprehending the demand in Oceania or the Asian Rim. Additionally, it will allow you to share how your idea is personally significant to you
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Toggle ItemWhat exactly does the Tier 1: $250 Scholarship provide?
- $250 scholarship
- Access to weekly tutoring sessions with a dedicated TA mentor
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Toggle ItemWho is eligible for the Tier 1: $250 Scholarship?Students are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA
- Be enrolled in 12 credit hours for Fall/Winter semester
- Complete a form that includes an essay describing a business idea you are passionate about and would launch in Oceania or the Asian Rim
- In the same semester you apply for the scholarship, you must be registered in ENTR 180 New Venture Finance course to receive the $250 scholarship
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Toggle ItemWhen is the deadline for the Tier 1: $250 Scholarship?The application deadline for both scholarships is Wednesday, January 15, 11:59 pm.
"The Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship has pushed me to take my ideas further and develop my plan to turn textile waste in the Philippines into useful, sustainable products. This opportunity has provided the support and knowledge I need to make my idea a reality. It has also given me the confidence to pursue my goals as an entrepreneur."
"Receiving this scholarship has been an incredible source of support and motivation, especially during tough times. The encouragement I received from people at the Willes Center who believe in my potential, has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward. These individuals are always there to help you grow in your ideas."
"For students thinking about applying for this scholarship, I advise them to go for it because there’s nothing to lose! The scholarship has changed my perspective on where to start. Initially, I was hesitant to begin this year because I felt I lacked the resources and knowledge. Having access to an opportunity like this is a blessing, and we should embrace and make the most of it."
TIER 2: $500 SCHOLARSHIP
Are you ready to take the next step with your entrepreneurial idea? The Tier 2: $500 Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship is the perfect way for students enrolled in ENTR 283 to achieve this. Having completed ENTR 180 New Venture Finance, you can now explore key areas such as supply chain, pricing, marketing, and other important factors that will contribute to your success in Oceania and the Asian Rim
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Toggle ItemWhat exactly does the Tier 2: $500 Scholarship provide?
- $500 scholarship
- Access to weekly tutoring sessions with a dedicated TA mentor
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Toggle ItemWho is eligible for the Tier 2: $500 Scholarship?Students are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA
- Be enrolled in 12 credit hours for Fall/Winter semester
- You have already completed ENTR 180 New Venture Finance towards the Entrepreneurship certificate or minor
- Complete a form that includes an essay describing a business idea you’re passionate about and would launch in Oceania or the Asian Rim. Students may use the same idea that is used to apply for the first scholarship but go into more depth or may use a new idea
- In the same semester, you apply for the scholarship, you must be registered in ENTR 283 New Venture Creation course to receive the $500 scholarship
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Toggle ItemWhen is the deadline for the Tier 2: $500 Scholarship?The application deadline for both scholarships is Wednesday, January 15, 11:59 pm.
"I felt truly validated when the judges acknowledged my ideas, and it was exciting to realize there was a real market demand for them. This experience taught me that the better the effort you put in, the clearer the demand becomes. We all have the potential to achieve great things—it’s just a matter of deciding to make it happen."
"The process of applying for this scholarship not only sharpened my business idea but also provided a great opportunity to connect with other students and professors. This experience boosted my confidence and inspired me to pursue my goals. I encourage every student to apply for this scholarship. It’s not just about financial support but also about personal and professional growth and great networking!"
JUDGING CRITERIA AND APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Judging Criteria
We are committed to granting scholarships to as many students as possible, but given our financial constraints, not all applicants will be granted a scholarship. The judging rubric outlined below will be utilized to evaluate and choose the recipients.
| Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the idea fit the needs of Oceania or the Asian Rim? | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Is the idea adequately developed? | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Do the provided details present a consistent story? | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Is the idea financially sound? | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| How will the scholarship funds be allocated and spent? | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Can the idea be implemented within 5 years after graduation? | ✗ | ✔ | ||||
| Will the idea be within the student's skill set upon graduation? | ✗ | ✔ | ||||
| Is there a unique competitive advantage to the idea? | ✗ | ✔ | ||||
| Does the idea have the potential to create jobs? | ✗ | ✔ | ||||
| Is the idea capable of scaling to meet greater demand? | ✗ | ✔ | ||||
DISCLAIMER
AI is a great resource for researching your idea and target area. To avoid using AI inappropriately, please read and follow our AI policy found in the application submission. All scholarship applications should also adhere to the university's policy regarding plagiarism and academic honesty.