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  1. Home
  2. School of Business Administration
  3. Startup Weekend

Startup Weekend FAQ

Why should I participate in this event?

If business ideas and their execution excite you either as an entrepreneur or as an intrapreneur in corporate, then you should consider this event! As entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship is not one individual job we encourage collaborative teamwork. 

Is my presence required for the entire weekend?

As a participant in the contest, yes! Entrepreneurship is not a one-day or hours job! This entire weekend is dedicated for you to gain from the experiences and insights of team members and other contestants, as well as gain from the rich industry expertise of our coaches and judges. Of course, you don’t need to be locked in a room! But at the same time going outside the campus should be avoided as your team members may need your help and you should not miss the opportunity of interacting with coaches and judges!

Can I bring my family members and friends?

Unfortunately, registration is allowed only for participants as the event is free and we are not charging any ticket fees, which is very common for such events. Many thanks for understanding our constraints!

Are there any arrangements for overnight accommodations?

You must arrange your own accommodations if you want to avoid daily travel. Please check this list of area hotels, some of which offer discounts to visitors to Penn State Harrisburg.

Do I necessarily need to pitch the idea?

If you want to help the team execute their business idea and you yourself do not have any business idea, you are equally welcome! As we mentioned, entrepreneurship is not a one-individual job!

Do I need to bring anything for the event?

You would need to bring your laptop, power cord, etc., to prepare a presentation and to further refine it based on coaches’ feedback.

Does the Veteran Category compete with other categories?

No, it is an independent category and does not compete against other categories.

Do I still benefit from the event even if my team doesn't win?

Although we provide mentoring from industry experts and other incentives for winning teams, if you have participated in the event, you are a winner!
As a participant, you will:

  • Learn how to validate startup ideas.
  • Enhance entrepreneurial and design skills.
  • Explore prototyping.
  • Engage in a fun community.
  • Learn from other new venture pitches.
  • Gain experience as a team member.
  • Develop connections and networks for the future.

For details, please refer to our web page detailing these benefits

What kind of ideas can I pitch?

Ideas across any industry or sector are welcome! 

I already have an existing business. Can I pitch it?

Unfortunately, already existing businesses cannot be considered for our startup weekend. We have separate events for such businesses. For this event, your ideas that are not already executed are encouraged.

Startup Weekend

  • Program Benefits
  • Registration and Required Equipment
    • Terms of Participation Agreement
  • Startup Weekend FAQ
  • Contest Prizes
  • Judges
  • Sponsors and Organizers
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Penn State Harrisburg

A comprehensive college in southcentral Pennsylvania offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.
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