The three-tiered John P. Ellbogen Awards:

• 1^st Place John P. Ellbogen 50K Award: $24,000
  The John P. Ellbogen 1^stPlace Award is given to the team with the most convincing business idea and captivating pitch presentation. The recipient of this award has clearly outlined market opportunity, distinctive competence, financial understanding, offerings and viability.
• 2^nd Place Runner Up Award: $12,000
• 3^rd Place Honorable Mention: $6000

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John P. Ellbogen $50K Finalist Award: $2,500 for each team

The John P. Ellbogen Finalist Award is presented to the eight teams that have qualified for Round 3 of the John P. Ellbogen $50K Pitch Competition. This award is designed to support the teams’ financial preparations leading up to the event and recognize their achievement in reaching the final stage of the competition.

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The Benson Impact & Innovation Award: $2000

The Benson Innovation & Impact Award celebrates Dr. Jon Benson’s inspiring vision for identifying and cultivating high-growth businesses in Wyoming. With boundless passion and unwavering dedication, he joined the University of Wyoming in 2005 to develop and operate the first technology-focused business incubator in the state. This award celebrates the spirit of technology-driven innovation, a commitment to breakthrough innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving.

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Small to Medium Enterprise Award: $2000

The Small to Medium Enterprise Award recognizes a student-led venture that demonstrates strong potential for growth, sustainability, and innovation within the small to medium business sector. This award is presented to a startup that has effectively identified market needs, developed a viable solution, and shown promising traction or a clear path to success. The recipient of this award is acknowledged for their potential contribution to Wyoming’s economy, fostering local innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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First Interstate Audience Choice Award: $2000

The First Interstate Audience Choice Award is a special recognition presented to the team who earns the most votes from the attendees at the University of Wyoming pitch competition. This award highlights the idea, presentation, and passion that resonates most with the audience. It acknowledges the team’s ability to engage and inspire others, regardless of the judges’ decisions.

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The Micale Community Award: $2000

The Micale Community Award honors a student-led venture that demonstrates exceptional dedication to creating positive social change or community development. This award, named after the Charles A. Micale Foundation, recognizes a startup that not only showcases innovation but also prioritizes making a meaningful difference within the state of Wyoming.

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Semifinalist Venture Award: $1,250

To recognize the time, effort, and ambition of all semifinalists, each team that advances to Round 2 but does not move on to Round 3 will receive a $1,250 award. These funds are intended to support continued exploration or development of the team’s venture, even outside the formal competition structure. This award reflects our commitment to cultivating entrepreneurship at all stages—not just among finalists—and ensures every team receives meaningful support for participating in the process.

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The $50K and the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program

Finalists for the John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition are eligible for an additional $2,500 prize from the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at the University of Wyoming.

To enter, the firm’s leadership team must submit a strategy for creating an ethical culture within their organization. The proposal should incorporate the use of the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Principles as the centerpiece of the plan.

The winning proposal will be selected by a team of judges chosen from the executive board of UW’s Student Center for the Public Trust. Please note proposals must be two pages or less.

For more information, please contact Kent Noble at knoble@uwyo.edu.