Visionary Ventures
A page within Menard Family Initiative
We're pleased to announce our fourth annual Entrepreneurship Research Conference. We are inviting students to showcase their business ideas or innovations through poster presentations during the Student Poster Sessions (titled Visionary Ventures) on Wednesday, October 15th, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the Great Hall - Cleary Alumni Center. You are welcome to work together with another student on this. You can still have your poster displayed even if you cannot attend the session.
For more information, please join us on Thursday, September 18th @ 5:30 PM in Wittich Hall 1204!
The details for the poster:
Submission Deadline: To participate, you will need to submit a summary of your idea by emailing menardinitiative@uwlax.edu by Friday, September 26th. The summary can be brief and should be no more than 200 words. It should provide a brief overview of what the idea is, how it is different/unique or what problem or gap in the market it solves, and have a bit of information about the potential market and customer profile.
Note for past participants:
This year, past winners will be given lower consideration and repeat ideas from past years should be more developed. If using the same idea as in past Visionary Ventures, you will need to show the judges how your concept has grown. Dive deeper into the “why” behind your idea, support it with clear numbers and details such as profit projections, and, if possible, showcase a prototype or tangible example. The more your poster conveys the journey and potential impact of your business, the stronger your submission will be.
Reward: Every student whose poster is selected for presentation will receive a $50 scholarship as a token of our appreciation for your contribution. If working as a group, this scholarship will be split among the students.
Prizes for Top Posters: In addition to the $50 scholarship, we are offering larger prizes (paid in the form of a scholarship) for the top three rated posters:
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $300
- 3rd Place: $200
Your poster should address:
- Overview & Fit: Highlight why you or your team is uniquely qualified to solve this problem, showcasing relevant expertise and experience.
- Problem, Solution & Differentiation: Define the problem, present the solution, and explain how it stands out from current competitors.
- Market Opportunity & Business Model: Outline the market size, target customer profile, and the business model for capturing value.
- Next Steps: Detail the immediate actions needed to validate the idea and advance the project forward.
The project is open-ended with no strict requirements, allowing participants to propose any business idea—whether it's addressing a problem or filling a gap in the market. The focus should be on creating a new business, not simply developing a product or service for an existing one. While we recommend following the provided guidelines, students have the flexibility to structure their posters in the way that best conveys their concept.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the poster submission process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
2024 Visionary Venture Winners
1. Kiara Lyons, TJ Medical Supplies, $1,000
“TJ’s is a small business based around the concept of helping people in their day-to-day lives battling with medical circumstances. Created in honor of my Grandfather, Tom Jones, we aim to create affordable and useful medical accessories for any need. The current focus is an Ostomy Bag cover to allow users better comfort, durability, and ease of use. The durable leather, unique cut, and lining allow the cover to be used and keep up with you no matter what life throws at you.”
2. Madeline Marino, Nothern Lights Vacation Services - Idea Fund scholarship recipient, $500
“Northern Lights is a Comprehensive Vacation Home Service focused on enhancing vacation experiences in the Midwest. The idea started in my hometown of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, as I noticed many families with vacation homes would spend their weekends cleaning and doing work on the home, instead of enjoying their time off and making memories. The vision is to provide convenience by ensuring vacation homes are cleaned, fully stocked, and maintained before the owners arrive, allowing them to relax and enjoy their time without worrying about errands and upkeep.”
3. Ella Poeschel, Sustaina- Heat, $200
“Sustaina- Heat is a sustainable heating band that focuses on improving the lives of women during their menstrual cycles. This is essentially a heating band that you can wrap around your back/stomach that is battery operated. You can adjust the tightness like a belt and keep it on when you move around, creating a product that would be high in value for all women. The Heating Band is a timeless innovation that can be used for ages by providing accessible comfort.”
