Xavier University's X-Lab is looking for a few good entrepreneurs

Xavier University is the latest Cincinnati area entity to start a business competition with X-Lab, short for Xavier-Launch a Business.

The University's Williams College of Business launched the first-time competition aimed at the on and off campus community of entrepreneurs who want to start businesses, nonprofits and social enterprises.

X-Lab is the culmination of a seven-year effort to connect the university's business experts with the outside community, said Ali Malekzadeh, dean of the Williams College of Business.

"We've been reaching out more and more beyond our campus to connect with the business community," Malekzadeh said. "We know we can be more effective business educators if we work with the business community. And we believe with that connection, we can help the business community thrive."

The contest is open until July 7 and an online application is available here.  X-LAB is looking for startups that can grow jobs or make a significant impact regionally or nationally. X-LAB also will help existing small-to medium-sized businesses improve and expand.

Ideas will be screened and evaluated by faculty and members of the business community. Applications will be judged on three overall factors: the viability of the business ideas, the potential of the business owners and whether the capabilities of X-LAB are a good match for the businesses. Five winners will be announced by Sept. 10. Later, X-LAB will seek other applicants to support including existing small-to-medium sized businesses.

Winners will be provided a number of free services including consulting services for up to a full academic year, or nine months, help with business development and launch, access to workshops, executive mentors and networking, feedback on the development of your business plan and a meeting with potential investors.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Elliot Grossman, Xavier University Communications

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