Posted on June 2nd, 2011Domain.com, a leading registrar and web hosting provider sponsored a $100K challenge at the University of Portland. This competition awards the best business plan through the school’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Domain.com is providing a free domain registration and one free year of web hosting for all participants. Competitors included students from the university in graduate and undergraduate degrees with a chance to win up to $100,000 in cash and services.
A Gift for Participants
Domain.com was exciting about sponsoring the challenge as well as giving young entrepreneur’s a chance at success through their free hosting and registration gift. In modern business, claiming a domain name and developing a website is the first step to launching a company.
About the Competition
Each participating team submitted a business plan describing a startup business. There were two tracks, the non-profit and for-profit categories. Students from many different majors collaborated to form 24 competitive teams. They presented their proposals and answered questions from a group of entrepreneurs, business professionals, investors and one representative from Domain.com.
Awards for the Winners
Those on the for-profit track could qualify to win up to $100,000 funded by the Launch Pad Fund investment committee. Those on the non-profit track were eligible to win a $2,500 grant in addition to professional services to assist with the launch of their company. The winners of both tracks have up to nine months to use their award.
The Winners
The first place for-profit team was the Opportunity Operator. The runner-up was Emirates Hydroponic Farm followed by Bene Adatto. Those in the final round include; Invi, VV Productions and Discreet Footwear. In the non-profit track, Global ADE and Shangilia Mama tied for first place while the runner-up was Equipment across Continents.
About Domain.com
Domain.com is an online organization that has been assisting businesses and entrepreneurs acquire success since 2000. Domain.com delivers high-quality, reliable web hosting products and registration services at some of the lowest prices available. Their solutions allow webmasters to create websites through web hosting, email, SSL certificates, VPS hosting, website design and email marketing.
This competition is an excellent way for students to create innovative ideas that could one day change the world. It is also a great way for them to further develop business skills while networking with other students and professionals. The competition is a great opportunity to see some of the most brilliant young minds in action.