About the Awards

Each year since 1998 the New Jersey Student Entrepreneur Awards program has attracted many undergraduate entrants from across the state. The competition is for undergraduate students who own and operate their own business while pursuing their college studies. Awards are presented to recognize exceptional entrepreneurial skill and creativity among enterprising students. In addition to publicity and recognition, there are cash prizes for the top winners:
First place: $1000
Second place: $500
Third place: $300
Fourth place: $200

Who is eligible?
Students who are enrolled in colleges, universities and technical schools.  
Any undergraduate student submitting proof of 1) completion of 12 credit hours during the previous summer and/or fall semester or 2) graduated spring of previous academic year is eligible. Business activity must have been carried on simultaneously with school enrollment and must have more than 50% ownership in the company. 1st place winners from previous years are prohibited from applying again.

Apply here.

The application deadline is April 2, 2010. The top four winners will be honored in late April or early September at FDU's College at Florham in Madison, NJ. Please note that you must include a current copy of your college transcripts with the application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 973-443-8842.

This program is a part of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards which coordinates a global program for recognizing student entrepreneurs. Most of the information you fill in can also be used for the global application available at http://gsea.org.

Evaluation Criteria

The distinguished panel of judges will consider a variety of aspects including: 

• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Obstacles Overcome
• Success of Business (Financial, Market Share, etc.)
• Concern for quality and customer service
• Estimated potential for future success
  

2010 Sponsor

2009 Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 competition. They were recognized and presented their awards at a ceremony held on May 5th in conjunction with the Eleventh Annual Richard M. Clarke Distinguished Entrepreneurial Lecture.

1st Place Vincent Padalino,Vestiwear, LLC  · Rider University

2nd Place Matt Walsh, Automotive Consignment Services· Fairleigh Dickinson University

2008 New Jersey Awards Winners

1st Place

Seth Priebatsch, PostcardTech, LLC · Princeton University

2nd Place

Daniel Jamet, Garden Artisans, LLC · Rider University

3rd Place

Bernard G. Pridy (Guy), Carbon Neutral Now, LLC · Rowan University

4th Place

Vincent Padalino, Vestiwear, LLC · Rider University

Winners from previous years