Lt. Governor Brian K. Krolicki: Governor's Cup Showcases Nevada's Future Entrepreneurs
Posted April 10, 2010
Even as our state faces continued economic challenges, there are definite, positive signs of hope and recovery in some sectors. In particular, I’d like to draw your attention to Nevada’s future entrepreneurs, star employees and job creators who are currently enrolled in our universities and colleges and participating in the sixth annual Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition.
NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, recently announced that 54 business plans have been submitted from colleges and universities across the state for the annual Governor’s Cup. This "real world" program brings together students from a wide range of educational disciplines and majors and encourages them to compete for cash prizes totaling more than $100,000. The goal is to develop innovative new business concepts in Nevada and provide valuable experience in understanding and creating the fundamentals for successfully starting and running a business.
Economic recovery for Nevada is going to be heavily dependent on creating new jobs, diversifying our economy and supporting home-grown small businesses. The students competing in this competition could very well be the key to our long-term economic health. Since the Governor’s Cup was first introduced, 12 of the student teams have gone on to start their new businesses.
In addition to the fact that the Governor’s Cup encourages the entrepreneurial spirit on which our state was founded, the event also focuses on an area of great significance to Nevada: clean and renewable energy technologies. I’m proud to say the Lieutenant Governor’s Award recognizes business ideas that employ clean, renewable or efficient energy technologies and services.
Another unique aspect of the Governor’s Cup is that it brings together students and educators with public- and private-sector business leaders who serve as mentors. This link — connecting enthusiasm with experience, and real-world expertise with classroom learning — benefits everyone: It helps sow the seeds for the stable rebuild of what was once and will again be a thriving and robust economy in Nevada.
I hope you’ll join us April 22 at the Atlantis Resort Casino Spa as we meet the students and watch the winners announced.
We’ll also get to see student team captains in action, competing in an "elevator pitch" competition. Gov. Jim Gibbons will be our special guest, and I will again have the honor of serving as master of ceremonies.
Ticket and table sales are now open, and donations are being sought for the Scholarship Fund. Sponsorships are also available. Your support, in any amount, will send a message to our young people — a message that innovation, new ideas and an endearing spirit will continue to be supported in Nevada.
For more information, visit www.GovCupNevada.com or contact Emily Somerville at 775-337-3328 or 702-944-9722 or Emily@NCET.org.
Brian K. Krolicki is Nevada’s lieutenant governor.
