Judson University launches 'Shark Tank' event
Judson University is launching its first entrepreneurial competition this spring dubbed "Judson Shark Tank."
The event will take place in April and follow a semester of speakers and events focusing on innovation and leadership from a Christian worldview.
Inspired by the ABC Network's reality business pitch series "Shark Tank," Judson's event aims to encourage those with startup ideas to seriously consider how they can elevate a concept to the next level.
The competition winner will take home a $1,000 grand prize as seed money for the best entrepreneurial venture.
Preliminary submissions for business ideas are due at the end of the month. Anyone 18 years and older is eligible to apply.
Throughout February and March, selected contestants will attend business plan development workshops and receive one-on-one coaching from experienced business professionals.
The contest finale will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. April 15 in the Thulin Performance Hall before an audience and a panel of judges that will include university faculty, administrators, and experienced entrepreneurs. The panel will select a winner.
The competition is part of a larger venture dubbed "CREATE 2015." It's the brainchild of Judson Business Society members Chris Simon, Ethan Adams, Haley Johnsen, John Smith, Rebekah Tabb, Joslin Ward, and Bryan Cherry, under the guidance of School of Leadership and Business Department Chairwoman Michelle Kilbourne and professors Leslie Kruser and Keith Jenkins.
Judson President Gene Crume helped kick off the charter events with a recent presentation after the showing of "For the Life of the World: Letters to the Exiles," a film series about salvation and purpose.
Upcoming speaker presentations and events include:
• Feb. 18: 7 to 9 p.m., David Ziegler, former chairman of ACE Hardware Corporation, Thulin Performance Hall.
• March 11: 7 to 9 p.m., Rob McCleland, executive director of John Maxwell's EQUIP Leadership, Inc., Eagle Lounge/Lindner Tower.
• April 15: 7 to 9 p.m., Judson Shark Tank, Thulin Performance Hall
All events are open to the public. For more information about CREATE 2015 or to become a sponsor for Judson Shark Tank, visit create2015.org.
Black History Family Festival: Gail Borden Public Library will host the 10th annual Black History Family Festival Feb. 7.
The event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the library, 270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin.
Its theme is "A Century of Black Life, History and Culture: Past, Present and Future." Participants will learn about how African Americans have positively impacted the nation.
The festival includes a dance performance by Culture of Africa for Kids Everywhere, storyteller Linda Gorham, and performances by Elgin's Talented Art and Music students. There also will be discussions and lectures.
Organizers will recognize a select number of high school students as Future African American Leaders, and middle school students as Rising Stars.
For more information, visit gailborden.info.