Welcome to the 2024 MWest Challenge!
Create your startup team, develop a business concept, and compete for $11,000+ in prize money!
Check out the website for key dates, guidelines, and past winners.
Informational Kickoff Event
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
6:00-7:30 pm
If you want to learn more about the MWest Challenge student entrepreneurship competition, please join us for the virtual kickoff event. We will discuss the rules and guidelines for the competition. We will also share a few idea pitch examples to help demonstrate what students create for the competition.
All students attending one of the sponsoring colleges and universities are welcome to join!
2024 MWest Challenge
Final Pitch Competition & Innovation Showcase
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
7 Final Pitch Teams
28 Innovation Showcase Teams
$11,000+ In Prize Money
Hosted at Grand Rapids Community College ATC Building
(Parking Pass Provided for GRCC Ramp)
Innovation Showcase
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Student Team Tables and Pitches
Arrive by 4:30 for set up
Final Pitch Competition
6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Team Pitches in Auditorium
Awards Ceremony at 8:30 p.m.
The event is open to the public and any faculty, staff, and students from participating colleges and universities!
Click the link below to register for the competition event and receive a parking pass:
What is the MWest Challenge?
The MWest Challenge is a student entrepreneurship competition designed to create collaboration between faculty and students that spans several colleges and universities from West Michigan. Entrepreneurially-minded students learn to work as a team, develop new business concepts, and pitch their ideas to the community. MWest involves seven West Michigan colleges and universities, representing 50,000 students from Ferris State University/Kendall College of Art and Design, Davenport University, Aquinas College, Calvin University, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Kuyper College.
In addition to the $11,000+ in cash and in-kind awards, students will have access to resources, mentors, and opportunities to network with startup business founders from the community.