Entrepreneurship Academy

Black Ambition Prize

 

Are you an entrepreneur with a business concept or early-stage business? The Entrepreneurship Academy is preparing Bowie State students and alumni to participate in Black Ambition Prize, a non-profit initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds high-growth startups founded by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. Ventures have a chance to win up to $250,000, so we hope to see high participation from the Bulldog Community!

By tapping into the vibrant and brilliant HBCU community, Black Ambition will help to fund high potential ideas with our capital that can spark and support the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.

Prizes

  • Black Ambition HBCU Prize business concept track is for ventures that have not raised any revenue or dilutive funding to date. Eligible ventures will compete for up to $50,000 in funding. 
  • Black Ambition HBCU Prize early business track is for ventures that have raised no more than $1M in dilutive funding to date and shown progress against the venture concept (tested the concept, working prototype, minimum viable product). Eligible ventures will compete for up to $250,000 in funding.

Who Can Participate?

Teams must include at least one current HBCU undergraduate or graduate student (full-time or part-time), one recent alum within 2 years of graduation, or one former student within 2 years of attending the institution who is a member of the founding team. This HBCU-affiliated individual must identify as Black or Latinx.

How to Participate

The Entrepreneurship Academy is preparing BSU students and alumni to apply for this opportunity. 

Sign Up Here 

Important Dates

Information Sessions

The Entrepreneurship Academy will host weekly sessions in January that will feature information and strategies that will help you put your best business concept forward. Find out everything you need to know about the Black Ambition Prize including eligibility, criteria and next steps. You will also have a chance to ask questions and connect with mentors for 1-1 coaching after the session. 

  • Tuesday, January 12, 12 -1pm
  • Thursday, January, 21, 5-6pm
  • Wednesday, January 27, 3-4pm
  • Wednesday, February 3, 12-1pm
  • Thursday, February 11, 3-4pm

Black Ambition Prize Boot Camp

We understand that most participants are entering the competition with an idea or concept and not an actual business. Our goal is to guide Bulldogs through the process as they consider factors such as competitive landscape, unique advantage, revenue, and a go-to market strategy for their idea. 

  • Wednesday, February 3, 1-2pm
  • Thursday, February 11, 12-1pm
  • Tuesday, February 16, 5-6pm