FAQ

• What is the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge?
   A competition where the best Stony Brook students’ business ideas or start-up businesses compete for I-Corps funding to be used to invest into their business relating to customer discovery, technology development, infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, and training.
• Who can participate in the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge?
  Any undergraduate and graduate student who is currently attending Stony Brook University.
• Are international students eligible?
   Yes, international students can enter a business into the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge, but that business must be based within the United States.  I-Corps funding cannot be sent out of the country.
• How do I sign up for the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge?
   Please complete the Local Competition application form and submit a client request for counselling form to reserve an appointment with an SBDC business advisor.
• Is there a prize for the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge?
  Yes, prizes are awarded in the form of funds that will apply towards I-Corps support related to customer discovery, technology development, infrastructure, advice, resources, networking opportunities, and training. The I-Corps program nurtures and supports students to transition their ideas, devices, processes or other intellectual activities into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Team applicants.

  Awardees must complete a ZAP program prior to July 2023 in order to satisfy the requirements to receive the funding.  All participants of the SBEC are eligible and encouraged to participate in the ZAP program whether or not you have been awarded funding.

• What types of business ideas are acceptable for the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge?
   If your answers for the questions for Stage I are detailed and specific, and you are suggesting a legitimate, innovative business idea, your entry will be accepted. While technology-oriented businesses are preferred, any type of business is acceptable, as long as it is a “real” business and not a mythical, whimsical business idea—which will not result in winning a cash prize.
• Who can I turn to for help/assistance during the competition?
   As many past winners have, you may seek help from the Certified Business Advisors of the Small Business Development Center located in Building 17 at the Research & Development Park here at Stony Brook University. In addition, competitors are free to seek counseling from whomever they choose, including Stony Brook University professors or persons outside the University.
• Can I sign up for State Competition of the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge even though the Local Competition and the Regional Competition have already passed?
  Yes, as long as you enter before the scheduled deadline for the State Competition—the final competition—where the winner will be chosen. If you fail to reserve a time slot one week before the start of the State Competition, you will be dropped from the competition and will receive an email stating so. Competitors who do not enter the Local Competition or Regional Competition will not be eligible for SBDC counseling, and will not receive the preliminary feedback from the judges.
• Is there anything that I have to prepare for the presentation?

  Yes, you must submit your presentation to your business advisor as instructed at least 24 hours in advance.  Hint: It is wise to dress in business attire as you want to appear professional and make the best impression on the judges.

• Who are the judges for the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge?
  The panel of judges is comprised of business professionals from local communities, angel investors, and possibly, SBDC Advisors and/or other Stony Brook University professionals.
• If I have further questions about the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge, who can I contact?
  Pleases send an email to sbdc@stonybrook.edu.