The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA for its acronym in English), is a competition that takes place worldwide every year in which students can present their own company. Participants compete against each other in local and national categories to qualify for the GSEA Global Finals.
The competition is organized by The Entrepreneurs’ Organization, known as EO. The company is focused on being a support network where global leaders and students can reach their highest potential in the world of work. They operate in 63 countriesof which everyone can participate in the GSEA.
The participants are college students with a passion for business. During the competition, participants are mentored and make connections to enter the world of work in an easier and more successful way.
The 2022 and 2023 season has startedso registration for the first phases has been opened for all students who wish to participate. The GSEA Global Finals will be in June 2023.
During the launch event in Guatemala, mentors shared how the main purpose of the competition is for students to combine their passion with motivation to create a global impact that leads to success. In past competitions, six students from the Francisco Marroquín University have managed to reach the Global Finals.
This competition benefits students who want to grow with their own company, and helps the growth of the country and educational institutions.
How to apply and compete in the GSEA
On the official website of the GSEA there is an option to apply online. The first step is choose the city and country from which you are participating to ensure that you can be part of the competition. Delivery dates vary by country, so it is advisable to check the page to apply on time.
To participate in the competition You must be an undergraduate or graduate student with an established company that has been in business for six months with at least $500 in income or $1,000 in investments. Only one representative can participate per company. Finalists from previous years cannot participate again, but another company representative must join the competition.
After applying and being accepted into the competition, a local competition must be won to qualify for the national categories. The best competitor at the national level will advance to the Global Finals and will be able to participate to win one of the three places.
There are four main values on which the first phase (local and national) of the competition is based: respect and loyalty, a thirst for learning, thinking big and being daring, as well as being open to growth as a community. First place will receive a prize of US$50,000, second place US$20,000, and third place US$10,000. Mentoring and feedback on business strategies and management will be given to all participants.
