2 Day Startup Event Welcomes Innovative Student Business Ideas

October 15, 2021

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Innovation and collaboration will be on full display when Illinois Wesleyan hosts its annual 2 Day Startup event, Nov. 12-13, 2021, at the IDEA Center, located within the Memorial Center. 

“Do you have a fun business idea? Do you have a side hustle that could become your main hustle? Come join us for this wonderful event involving innovation and entrepreneurship here at IWU,” said Associate Director of Innovation and Business Instructor Gavin Leach.

The 2 Day Startup is designed to foster innovation among participants, provide hands-on experience with marketing, and offer professional networking opportunities. The event aims to connect participants with local entrepreneurs, experts and potential investors.

Participants will use the time to start a business from ideation, to prototyping, to the pitch. Participants may come with a business idea in mind but can also start from the ground up through brainstorming sessions or collaborative planning. On the final day, participants will present their pitch in a chance to win up to $3,000 in seed funding.

The event will take place Friday, Nov. 12, from 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the IDEA Center (located next to the Coffee Shoppe in the Memorial Center). It is free and open to the public, and no business or entrepreneurial background is required to participate. Food, raffle prizes, grand prizes (for winning groups), fun activities and networking opportunities will be provided both days.

Questions about the event can be directed to Gavin Leach at gleach@iwu.edu.

By Kailee Galloway ’23