Empower Your Dreams 2026
Empower Your Dreams will be held on Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2.
The Ed & Shauna Smith Empower Your Dreams Competition provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and develop business plans that address real-world problems with practical solutions that make a real impact. Whether you dream of solving challenges in your home country, supporting your family, or building the Kingdom of God, this competition is your opportunity to take the first step.
With no registration fees, this competition is open to all students at BYU–Hawaii, and designed to equip you with tools, mentorship, and experience to bring your ideas to life. It is open to all students at BYU–Hawaii who are ready to take on the challenge of entrepreneurship.
Student Resources
Empower Your Dreams Competition FAQs
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Toggle ItemWhy Participate?
- Learn the fundamentals of creating a successful business plan.
- Develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experience.
- Create solutions that address challenges in the community and the world.
- Gain Mentorship from experienced professionals to refine your business ideas.
- Build Confidence as you present your plan and connect with peers and mentors.
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Toggle ItemHow Do I Register for the Competition?
All BYU–Hawaii students can participate in the Empower Your Dreams Competition. The registration deadline for the Winter 2026 competition is March 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Join the competition Canvas course to register.
Competition Course Page. -
Toggle ItemWhat Are the Different Stages of the Competition?
- Preliminary Round: Online submission due on March 11, 2026
- Semi-Final Round: Booth Showcase on April 1, 2026
- Final Round: Final Presentations on April 2, 2026
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Toggle ItemWhat Are the Prizes and When Will the Winners Be Announced?
- Grand Prize Winner: $6,000 scholarship
- 2nd Place: $5,000 scholarship
- 3rd Place: $4,000 scholarship
- Consolation Prizes: $500 scholarship for each remaining finalist team member
- People’s Choice: $250/team
Note: Teams with multiple members will split the prize equally.
Finalists will be announced at the end of the Public Booth Showcase on April 1, 2026.
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Toggle ItemWhat Are the Judging Criteria?
- Alignment with BYU–Hawaii Mission
- Does the business support the markets of focus described in the mission of BYU–Hawaii?
- Business Sustainability
- Is the business model viable and sustainable?
- Value Proposition
- Does the value proposition clearly address a real problem and/or offer tangible benefits to the customer?
- Presentation Quality
- Clarity and professionalism.
- Effective use of allotted time.
- Ability to respond clearly and succinctly to questions.
- Alignment with BYU–Hawaii Mission
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Toggle ItemAre There Any Workshops and Labs Available To Help Teams Prepare?
To help you prepare for the competition, a series of workshops will be held every Wednesday from February 18 to March 25, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 pm in HGB 273. Attendance at the Wednesday, Feb. 18 workshop is required to compete in this year’s competition.
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Toggle ItemWhat Are the Rules and Standards?
- Team Size: Maximum of 3 members.
- Student Status: All team members must be full-time, on-campus BYU–Hawaii students.
- Previous Participation: Past winners (top three) cannot compete with the same business idea.
- Disqualification: Failure to comply with rules or submission requirements will result in disqualification.
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Toggle ItemHow Can I Stay Involved With the Willes Center After the Competition?
There are many ways to stay involved, including joining our mentorship program, participating in future competitions, and attending workshops and events hosted by the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship. Check our website and social media often to stay updated regarding upcoming opportunities.
