43North is the world’s largest business idea competition, with $5 million in cash prizes to help entrepreneurs, startups and teams from across the globe turn their business ideas into reality in Buffalo.
The competition will present a top award of $1 million, six $500,000 awards and four $250,000 awards and 43North is guaranteeing that at least one of the prizes will go to a Western New York applicant. Winners also receive free incubator space for a year, guidance from mentors related to their field and access to other exciting incentive programs, like Start-Up NY, a program that enables companies to operate tax-free in New York State for 10 years.
Over the last few weeks, 43North has begun rolling out an ambitious roadshow schedule that includes visits to more than two dozen cities in the U.S. and Canada, as well as Israel and India.
Says 43North Senior Marketing Manager Peter Burakowski, “The word about 43North is getting out around the globe. Since launching on Feb. 5, we’ve received more than 1,500 applications from 53 countries and 44 U.S. states. As we tell the story about the opportunity that this competition affords, we’re also letting entrepreneurs and innovators know about the world-class cultural assets, fantastic quality of life and great resources for startups that you can find in Buffalo.”
43North is open to applicants ages 18 and older in any industry, with the exception of retail and hospitality. To enter, fill out the free application by May 31, 2014 at www.43north.org – it takes about 20 minutes to complete.