Launch Your Business! FAQs
Application Process
Is there a fee for presenting my business idea at Scholars’ Day?
There is no application fee to present at Scholars’ Day, including Launch Your Business!.
What is the deadline to register for the Launch Your Business!?
All applications must be received by March 8, 2020 for this year’s competition.
Who is eligible to apply to present in the Launch Your Business! category at Scholars’ Day?
Current MCC students or alumni who graduated or transferred in December 2019, who have submitted completed Launch Your Business! applications by March 8, 2020 are eligible to present. Individuals or groups are welcome to present their ideas.
Can a student present in more than one category at Scholars’ Day?
Yes. Students may present their research in one category AND present their new business idea separately in Launch Your Business! at Scholars’ Day.
Will information sessions be hosted to learn more about Launch Your Business!?
Yes. Information sessions will be hosted at the Brighton and Downtown campuses February 2020. The sessions will be promoted by the School of Business & Entrepreneurial Studies in Student Tribune and on myMCC.
For what types of business ideas will the judges be looking?
Judges will be looking for original, well developed business ideas that will benefit Greater Rochester. Business ideas for all academic disciplines are welcome (biology, culinary arts, engineering, applied arts, fine arts, human services, information technology, liberal arts, etc.). Business ideas may be marketable to consumers and/or businesses. (Awards cannot be used to open a chain store or business.)
Who should I contact with questions?
Email Kathleen Borbee with your questions.
Presentation Process
Will all presentations be open to the MCC community and general public?
Yes. As is MCC’s tradition, Scholars’ Day presentations are free and open to the public.
How long will I/my group have to present?
Presenters have a maximum of 10 minutes to present. A brief question and answer period will follow each presentation.
When and where will the presentations be held?
The official Scholars’ Day schedule will be available online. Presentations will be held at MCC’s Brighton campus on May 5, 2020.
May I present my idea using software such as PowerPoint?
Yes. Presentations will take place in a smart classrooms on MCC’s Brighton or Downtown campuses.
How many presenters do you anticipate?
The Launch Your Business! program has grown. We welcome as many presenters as possible. Individuals and groups are welcome to present their ideas.
Background
What is the Launch Your Business! objective?
The Launch Your Business! initiative is made possible thanks to generous supporters of the MCC Foundation who want to inspire MCC students to start their business in Greater Rochester and contribute to local economic development.
Presentation Tips
How long will I/my group have to present?
Presenters have up to 10 minutes to present.
What criteria will be used by the judges?
Presentations will be judged based on organizational effectiveness, the unique value proposition offered by the product or service, and if there is a clear customer need for the product or service. The presenter’s commitment to pursuing next steps to launch or grow the business will also be taken into consideration.
Prizes
How will prizes be announced?
Prize winners will receive an invitation to the Scholars’ Day reception on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the Brighton Campus. Prizes will be announced at the reception.
How will Scholars’ Day awards be distributed?
For top presenters, Scholars’ Day awards enrollment in the MCC Corporate College series.The series runs from June–August, 2020. Dates will be announced at a later date.
How many Scholars’ Day prizes will be awarded in Launch Your Business!?
Twelve top student Launch Your Business! presenters earn a place at the MCC Corporate College, June–August, 2020. Awardees will have the opportunity to further develop their business idea with an experienced mentor and compete for additional funding awards—totaling up to $50,000—at MCC’s Entrepreneurship Day in November 2020.