Clemson MBAe students compete for $40,000 in funding at EnterPrize Awards Roadshow presented by CertusBank

GREENVILLE, S.C., May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Clemson University this week kicks off the inaugural EnterPrize Awards presented by CertusBank, a three-city, three-week roadshow and competition that showcases MBAe student ventures.

The roadshow provides graduating students enrolled in the specialty MBA program, which has created an innovation pipeline for entrepreneurs, a public platform to pitch concepts in return for up to $40,000 in seed funding.

Students competing in the Clemson EnterPrize Awards will present to a five member panel of judges in Charleston, Atlanta and Greenville on May 16, 23 and 30. Prize funding will be awarded based on the quality of presentation, viability and practicality of the idea as well as the concept's opportunity for monetary and societal impact.

"The EnterPrize Awards investor roadshow further differentiates the Clemson MBAe from other programs nationally," said Greg Pickett, associate dean of Clemson at the Falls. "Designed as a capstone to our experiential-based curriculum, the roadshow provides promising student ventures access to the resources and capital they need to succeed."

Several proposed concepts have already attracted the attention of investors, including:

• Dabble, a mobile application created by Brendan Lopes, Josh Lopes and Carlisle Kennedy, that helps college students discover new activities and experiences;
• Upkeep Charlie, an iPhone App developed by Stefan Hahn in partnership with The Iron Yard that connects homeowners with network of vetted home service professionals; and,
• Tarian Orthotics, a medical device venture founded by Riley Csernica that is commercializing a breakthrough shoulder brace designed to accelerate dislocation recovery.

The ventures are the result of Clemson's one-year, intensive, experiential MBA program where students enroll with an idea, apply rigorous business principles and graduate with a market-ready business.

The EnterPrize Awards are open to the public and include networking receptions in Charleston and Atlanta. A gala is scheduled to follow presentations in Greenville, recognizing graduates and their extensive network of professional mentors.   To learn about the Clemson MBAe visit clemsonatthefalls.com/mbae/.

About the Clemson MBAe
The Clemson MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a one-year, intensive graduate program that develops viable business concepts through an experiential-based curriculum. The program combines a rigorous, practical education with access to a world-class network of professionals and resources. Learn more at clemsonatthefalls.com/mbae/.

Contact: Andrew Trull
864.235.8330 | [email protected]

SOURCE Clemson University