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The Robert K. O’Brien Next Big Idea Contest

The Robert K. O’Brien Next Big Idea Contest


Follow in the footsteps of Robert K. O'Brien by making your ideas a reality.
IN THIS SECTION
  • Center for Entrepreneurship
  • Build Your Food Business
  • The Robert K. O'Brien Next Big Idea Contest
Contact the Center for Entrepreneurship
Sullivan Academic Center
Office S-204G
508-929-8317

Bring your ideas to life.

The Robert K. O’Brien Next Big Idea Contest helps Worcester State students develop an idea for a business or social venture. It was the inspiration of Robert K. O’Brien ‘58 to encourage Worcester State students to make an impact with their ideas.

During the 10 week program, the participants have access to valuable information, entrepreneurial tools, knowledgeable mentors, and the option to work on their ideas during three interactive workshops. Five finalists get to pitch their ideas to some really nice judges, and compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and seed money. The pitch is five slides in five minutes followed by a five minute Q&A.

The five finalists are selected based upon the quality of their written business brief. The program provides the guidance and resources needed to help each participant develop a competitive business brief. Check out the Sample Business Brief for a fictional venture called “India in a Box”. In addition, the program helps the finalists prepare for their pitch.

What is the “business brief”?

The business brief is a 4-to-5 page document that provides:

  • Description of…
    • Their business idea
    • Entrepreneurial team
    • Actions taken to date
    • Future actions planned
    • Startup costs
    • Pro forma income statement
  • Value proposition
  • Initial customer profile and market size
  • Evidence of market demand and future growth potential

For more information

Contact Elaine Vescio, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship.

What's in it for me?

Your time in the 10-week program will give you the experience and knowledge you need to be a successful entrepreneur. Benefits of the program include:

Valuable information
Entrepreneurial tools
Competition with other entrepreneurs for thousands of dollars
Three interactive workshops (optional)
Knowledgeable mentors

2021 Finalists


What past participants loved most about being a part of the program is meeting other entrepreneurial minded students, developing new skills, and making significant progress on an idea in one semester.

View All Resources

What past participants loved most about being a part of the program is meeting other entrepreneurial minded students, developing new skills, and making significant progress on an idea in one semester.

Lenny Tran - The Pablo Way

Tran won 1st place in the contest, earning $2500 for his sneaker restoration business, The Pablo Way.

David Echavarria - The Pleb Investor

Echavarria won 2nd place in the contest, earning $1000 for his investment consulting company, The Pleb Investor.

Imani Hutchins - Wimagine Outfitters

Hutchins won 3rd place, earning $500 for her affordable stylish clothing company, Wimagine Outfitters.

Anthony Shrum - Grizzled Hockey

Shrum won 4th place, earning $250 for his hockey apparel business, Grizzled Hockey.

Mustapha Dukuly - The Grow Education Project

Dukuly won 4th place, earning $250 for his non-profit organization, The Grow Education Project.

Key dates for the 2022 program
February 4
Sign up closes at 11:59pm
February 7 - 13
Initial 1:1 meeting with a mentor to discuss idea & begin planning
February 15
Workshop: Prototyping & Testing Your Idea at 11:30am - 12:45pm
February 21 - 27
Check in meeting with mentor to work on testing idea
March 7 - 13
Check in meeting with mentor to discuss market sizing and evidence of growth potential
March 22
Workshop: Financial Projections and Assumptions at 11:30am - 12:45pm
March 28 - April 3
Check in meeting with mentor to work financials
April 5
Workshop: Storytelling and Pitching at 11:30am - 12:45pm
April 4 - 7
Check in meeting with mentor to review draft business brief
April 8
Business brief due by 5:00pm
April 12
Five finalists announced for the Next Big Idea Contest
April 19
Opportunity to practice pitch in BA402 class
April 20
Next Big Idea Contest
Robert K. O'Brien '58
I believe Worcester State students have the creative innovation to launch the ‘Next Big Idea.’ And I’m excited about the creativity and enthusiasm demonstrated in this entrepreneurship competition.
— Robert K. O'Brien '58

Related Links

Business Model Canvas
Sample Business Brief
Lenny Tran '23 Wins 2021 Robert K. O'Brien Next Big Idea Contest for Sneaker Restoration Business
Olivia Antonelli ’20 wins Next Big Idea Contest for Laundry Detergent Vending Machine
Next Big Idea Contest Winners Want to Help You Park on Campus
Proposal for Online Pet Supply Store Wins Next Big Idea Contest
The Next Big Idea May Keep Real Estate Agents Safer
Contact the Center for Entrepreneurship
Sullivan Academic Center
Office S-204G
508-929-8317
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