Dare2start is an entrepreneurship challenge which is currently running on the University of Ghana, Legon campus. Dare2start seeks to ignite the Entrepreneurial spirit among the student body.
The Dare2Start Story So Far
The challenge started with 70 teams who registered to partake. The competition began with an opening ceremony on 5th September, 2016 where students were enlightened on what it takes to win the competition. This was followed by the first task or dare. Here, the teams were asked to produce a maximum of 5 minutes video of themselves pitching their ideas to a group of students in lecture halls or other student gatherings.
Training sessions were organised with the aim of helping the various teams to refine their ideas. Some of the topics for the training were centered on innovation, creativity and the business model canvas. During these sessions, the teams had the opportunity to ask questions about their business ideas.
Next was Pitch Day where the teams had the chance to sell their ideas to a group of judges. The judges asked questions, made comments and gave suggestions to the teams. Most of the teams got useful feedback which helped to reshape their business ideas.
There was a Start – up Day on 16th September, 2016 where students interacted with several Entrepreneurs across various industries. These Entrepreneurs shared their success stories with the teams. The various teams were put in groups with Entrepreneurs assigned to the groups.
As the competition progressed, some of the under- performing teams were evicted. The eviction was based on the overall performance of the teams. A total of about 35 teams made it to the next phase of the competition.
This was an Entrepreneurship fair on 21st September, 2016. A total of 35 teams participated in the fair. At the fair, the teams showcased prototypes of their business ideas to the entire student body. The fair provided the avenue for the teams to explain the processes or products of their businesses. Judges were also present to evaluate the business ideas. They also gave useful suggestions to the teams. Most of the teams were excited about the fair and the suggestions given. The feedback from their potential customers as the customers approached their stands to listen to their ideas and view the products or services the teams have displayed helped the teams see the strengths and weaknesses of their ideas.
After the fair, about 26 teams are moving on to the next stage of the challenge. There will be a final task for the successful teams. After which 10 teams will make it to the final stage.
At the final stage of the challenge, the 10 teams would pitch to a panel of judges. After which the top 3 teams will be selected.
The selection will be based on the cumulative results from the beginning of the competition. There will be other categories from which other teams will be given awards. This is the Dare2Start story. This is the story of No Guts, No Glory! You can contact the SRC Dep PRO (0268981519) for further enquiries.