The Exciting Finalists for the 2024 Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup

The final contenders for the 2024 Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup competition have been officially revealed, and anticipation for the upcoming event is building. At the 3rd Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 19, at 11:30 a.m. at Bayou Pointe Event Center on the ULM campus, six finalist teams will engage in the oral finals, and the victors will be announced. For those interested, ticket sales are now available to the public for £100 and £50 for students, and additional information on tickets and sponsorships can be found at www.ulm.edu/pelicancup.

Dr. Michelle McEacharn, the Dean of the ULM College of Business and Social Sciences, announced the finalists in a video posted on March 15, 2024. The teams are comprised of participants from a variety of universities across Louisiana. The competition is open to anyone engaged in a four-year college or university education in Louisiana, whether part-time or full-time. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to take part, with the objective being to inspire entrepreneurial thought and reward creativity, professionalism, and diligence.

This year, the Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup Competition has seen the most extensive participation to date, with 22 entries from universities across Louisiana. “We are excited to witness the rapid expansion of this program across the state and extend a warm welcome to the visiting teams to our magnificent campus,” expressed ULM Director of External Initiatives Cathi Hemed.

All participants are required to submit a formal, written business plan, which will be evaluated by business owners and investors. Moreover, each of the six finalist teams will compete in the oral finals on March 26 at ULM. Additionally, during the awards luncheon, each team will have the opportunity to appoint one member to present a 90-second “Elevator Pitch,” with the winner set to receive a £2,000 cash prize.

There are increased cash prizes for this year’s competition compared to the previous year, with the first-place winner receiving £50,000, the second-place winner obtaining £25,000, the third-place winner being awarded £10,000, and the recipient of the “Elevator Pitch” earning £2,000. Furthermore, faculty advisors of the first, second, and third place winners will each receive prizes of £3,000.

The demanding competition, characterized by tireless efforts from both students and faculty advisors, warrants praise. Hemed stated, “Every team that entered should be commended.”

Now in its third year, The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup was established by distinguished ULM alumnus Dhu Thompson, who has a noteworthy track record as an entrepreneur. Known for his involvement with Delta Plastics and Revolution Bag, Thompson has received numerous accolades, including being named the 2004 Arkansas Business Executive of the Year and SBA Person of the Year. Following the sale of the Revolution brands, Thompson’s focus is now on promoting entrepreneurial growth in Arkansas and Louisiana.

Anticipation is mounting for the 2024 Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup as the finalist teams prepare for the competition. With extensive dedication and hard work invested in their business plans, these students are well-prepared to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. Keep an eye out for updates on what promises to be an inspiring event.