Who is eligible to enter the competition?
All GST registered for profit, commercial entities (except those that are banking and property related) and have been in operation for at least two years are eligible. Applicants who are engaged in activities that might result in being in breach of any law, regulation, undertaking, provision, voluntary code or practice, or policy which the applicant is obliged or accustomed to observe will not be considered. For further information please go to Terms and Conditions.

What will be required in order to win the Challenge?
Applications for the University of Auckland Business School Entrepreneurs' Challenge for 2009 are closed. Successful applicants will be contacted by email with regard to their status by 5pm Monday 7 September 2009. A panel will evaluate all the applications between Monday 24 August and Friday 4 September 2009 and then invite qualifiers to submit a five page business proposal (see Application Process Part Two) to the Challenge. These documents will be forwarded to you if selected and must be filled out by the date provided. All applicants will be notified by email about the status of their application.


Can you provide me with the key dates of the Challenge?
24 July 2009 - Online entry opens
21 August 2009 - Entries close at 5pm
7 September 2009 - Announcement of qualifiers
25 September 2009 - Qualifiers’ final submissions received (submissions close at 5pm)
12 October 2009 - Finalists announced
November 2009 - Winners announced at awards celebration

What does a typical award look like, how much and over what period of time?
The Challenge will distribute up to $1million per annum divided between the successful applicants. We anticipate making awards of between 100k and 500k in the form of a loan to be repaid in 3 years.

What are the terms for the award?
For further information please see Terms and Conditions.

What is expected from me once I have received the award?
You will be expected to meet the milestones that you have set for your business and be required to provide the Challenge with financial reports every quarter for the duration of the loan period.

Does my business need to be an exporting or planning to export in order to qualify?
No, but the probability of winning the Challenge is significantly increased if you are, or plan to export in the future.

If I am not successful this year, will I be able to apply next year?
Yes you can apply in successive years. All qualifiers will receive feedback on their application if they desire.

Why is this fund better than a bank loan?
The terms and interest rate are intended to be more favourable than a traditional bank loan. Any interest charged may not need to be paid in cash but may be covered by way of equity options. Additional benefits include media exposure, mentoring from highly qualified business professionals for the duration of the loan, increased profile for your business and the opportunity to engage with the UABS Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.

For more information
If you would like more information or have any questions about the Challenge and its activities, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .