DTE 3 Day Startup Aims to Help Students Launch Businesses

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. --- A $3,000 prize is at stake as Illinois Wesleyan’s Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (DTE) Program hosts the 3 Day Startup, Friday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 27, at IWU’s State Farm Hall.

Local college students, high school students, and community members who register for the 3 Day Startup will work together in small groups to start a business all the way from ideation, to prototyping, to pitch. The group which presents the most compelling pitch will earn $3,000 to help fund their startup.

"As the Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship program at Illinois Wesleyan continues to grow, we hope to strengthen our roots in the greater Bloomington-Normal startup ecosystem, while also creating more resources and points of connection for our students and community members,” said DTE Coordinator of Entrepreneurial Activities Lauren Hicks.

The 3 Day Startup is free for Illinois Wesleyan students who register for the event. There is a $50 registration fee for community members and all other college and high school students, and participants are asked to register by no later than 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24.

“The 3 Day Startup is a wonderful event in which participants of all specialties and knowledge levels can come together and effectively jump-start their career and entrepreneurial ideas,” Hicks said. “This is a great opportunity for participants to innovate, network, and gain business acumen."

The goals of the seminar include providing participants with hands-on experience in starting a business and to help them develop viable ventures, all the while, connecting them with local entrepreneurs, experts and potential investors.

The seminar aims to bring together students and citizens from all disciplines by engaging them in a collaborative, creative and transformative three-day experience.

No business or entrepreneurial background is required to participate. Meals are included and will be provided.

To register for the 3 Day Startup, please visit: https://www.iwu.edu/entrepreneurship/startup.html. Questions about this event can be directed to Lauren Hicks at lhicks1@iwu.edu.

By Megan Baker ’21