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The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup 2026
The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup is the premier business plan competition for the state of Louisiana with one of the largest cash prizes in the nation. The goal is to inspire participants and the community to think entrepreneurially by rewarding creativity, professionalism, and hard work.
Competitors will also have access to networks of entrepreneurs, economic developers, investors, and others as they move through the Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup process. The rigor of the competition sharpens their critical-thinking, team building, presentation, and other soft skills – all important to career success.
The competition will be open to full- or part-time undergraduate and graduate certificate- or degree-seeking students currently enrolled in a 4 year college or university in the state of Louisiana, and will require a written formal business plan judged by business owners and investors. Six finalists will be chosen to conduct an in person oral presentation to top tier entrepreneurs. Also, during the awards luncheon, each team will select one member to conduct a 90 second “Elevator Pitch,” and the winner will receive a cash award.
Competitors will also have access to networks of entrepreneurs, economic developers, investors, and others as they move through the Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup process. The rigor of the competition sharpens their critical-thinking, team building, presentation, and other soft skills – all important to career success.
The competition will be open to full- or part-time undergraduate and graduate certificate- or degree-seeking students currently enrolled in a 4 year college or university in the state of Louisiana, and will require a written formal business plan judged by business owners and investors. Six finalists will be chosen to conduct an in person oral presentation to top tier entrepreneurs. Also, during the awards luncheon, each team will select one member to conduct a 90 second “Elevator Pitch,” and the winner will receive a cash award.
Prizes
Undergraduate Division Prizes:
First Place - $25,000
Second Place - $15,000
Third Place - $10,000
Elevator Pitch Winner - $2,000
*First, Second, and Third Place faculty advisors to receive $3,000.
Graduate Division Prizes:
First Place - $50,000
Second Place - $25,000
Third Place - $10,000
Elevator Pitch Winner - $2,000
*First, Second, and Third Place faculty advisors to receive $3,000.
First Place - $25,000
Second Place - $15,000
Third Place - $10,000
Elevator Pitch Winner - $2,000
*First, Second, and Third Place faculty advisors to receive $3,000.
Graduate Division Prizes:
First Place - $50,000
Second Place - $25,000
Third Place - $10,000
Elevator Pitch Winner - $2,000
*First, Second, and Third Place faculty advisors to receive $3,000.