Judson Business Society, faculty develop CREATE 2015 spring speaker series, Judson Shark Tank event

Judson University has introduced its first entrepreneurial competition this spring called "Judson Shark Tank."

The event, which will take place in April, will be the finishing touch on an entire semester of speakers and events that focus on innovation and leadership from a Christian worldview.

Inspired by the ABC Network's reality business pitch series "Shark Tank," Judson's event looks 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 the grand prize of $1,000 in seed money for the best entrepreneurial venture.

Preliminary submissions for business ideas are due at the end of the month. Individuals who are age 18 and older are eligible to apply. Throughout February and March, the selected contestants will attend business plan development workshops and receive one-on-one coaching from experienced business professionals.

The April 15 finale will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Thulin Performance Hall before an audience and a panel of judges comprised of university faculty, administrators, and experienced entrepreneurs. The panel will collectively determine a winner.

This competition is part of a larger venture that the minds behind Judson Shark Tank call "CREATE 2015." It is 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 Chair Michelle Kilbourne and professors Leslie Kruser and Keith Jenkins.

Judson President Gene Crume helped to kickoff the charter events with a recent presentation following 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 the following:

• Wednesday, Feb. 18, David Ziegler, former chairman of ACE Hardware Corp., will speak from 7 to 9 p.m. at Thulin Performance Hall.

• Wednesday, March 11, Rob McCleland, executive director of John Maxwell's EQUIP Leadership Inc., from 7 to 9 p.m. at Eagle Lounge/Lindner Tower.

• Wednesday, April 15, Judson Shark Tank from 7 to 9 p.m. at 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 www.create2015.org.