The Gallaudet Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute (GIEI) at Gallaudet University is pleased to host its first annual Alumni BisonTank Competition.

 

Gallaudet Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (GIEI) is a donor-based program that supports student entrepreneurship education opportunities at Gallaudet University. GIEI provides students with a platform for smart experimentation as well as access to entrepreneur resources, workshops, competitions, internships, mentoring, and networking opportunities throughout the academic year. 

 

About the Alumni BisonTank Competition

 

The Alumni BisonTank Competition is a seven-week program designed for Gallaudet alumni who are in the early stages of implementing their business idea. Those selected to join the Competition will have the opportunity to build on their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, learn what makes a business plan effective, and develop the mindset required to be successful Changemakers with the help of expert speakers, workshops and engaged mentors. 

 

Those who already have a mature business based on their idea are welcome to apply to participate; however, priority consideration will be given to those who are further along in the design and implementation stage than those with new ideas. 

 

This Competition is rigorous and time intensive. If selected, participants should expect to:

1. Spend an average of 2 to 4 hours per week participating in GIEI cohort activities, primarily online, and

2. Spend 5 to 10 hours per week developing their business idea/plan to prepare for the pitch competition, and

3. Participate in at least 1 GIEI cohort activity per week throughout the program, including Zoom-enabled meetings, and

4. Meet regularly with their assigned mentor and take ownership of their mentor/mentee relationship, and

5. Be introduced to a peer group and actively contribute to group discussions and activities, and

6. Gain access to a program advisor from whom they can seek support when needed, and

7. Respond to periodic surveys to improve the overall experience.

 

Upon successful completion of the six-week program, participants will:

• Be challenged, stretched, and inspired as they acquire new knowledge.

• Develop new skills, build their peer network, and transform their businesses.’

• Form connections with a diverse network of Deaf entrepreneurs.

• Establish a relationship with a senior business mentor.

• Strengthen strategy, leadership, and business management skills.

• Gain skills in finance, marketing, and strategy needed to grow and scale their enterprise.

• Develop a toolkit of soft skills, including self-confidence, resilience, collaboration, and cross-cultural communications.

 

The program will conclude with a pitch competition where participants will be judged based on [GENERAL CRITERIA/FACTORS (examples: presentation, creativity, etc)]. Three winners will be identified and awarded cash prizes: 

 

1st Place: $5000

2nd Place: $3000

3rd Place: $2000

 

Important Dates

 

Application Period Open: June 1 to August 2, 2024

Accelerator Program: August 28 to October 15, 2024

Pitch Competition: October 17, 2024 at 6 - 8 PM eastern

 

Alumni BisonTank Competition Eligibility

• To apply, you must be an alumni of Gallaudet University. To qualify as an alumni, you must have: 1) completed at least one semester as a full time undergraduate or graduate student at the University and 2) graduated and/or you must not be currently enrolled as a student at the University at any point during the application or six-week program period of the Competition.

• You must not have been required to leave the University at any time for academic or disciplinary reasons.

• The following are deemed ineligible to apply:

  • Current employees of the University and Clerc Center;

  • Closely related family members to any individual (whether an employee or independent contractor) involved with the administration or judging of the BisonTank Competition; and

• The University reserves the right to determine eligibility in the event there is not an actual conflict of interest, but there may be the perception of one. 

• If you already have a team; however, only one team member must meet the individual criteria above. This member will be the representative of the team throughout the competition. There will be no switching representatives mid-competition, and

• Submit only one application per team.

 

Where can I find the application?

 

Complete the application here.

 

How do I submit my application?

 

The application is submitted electronically. You must complete the application and attach all required documents to apply.

 

Can I mail, email, or fax my completed application?

 

No.

 

Will incomplete applications be reviewed?

 

Incomplete applications will not be accepted for review.

 

Can I submit my application after the deadline?

 

No.

 

Can I submit more than one application? What if I am a member of two different teams?

 

No. Only one application submitted by your representative will be accepted. (See Alumni BisonTank Competition Eligibility)