Back to UNI News
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 UNI alumni wins regional entrepreneur competition, advances to international competition CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – A recent University of Northern Iowa graduate won first place in the regional competition for the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) competition held Oct. 23 in Chicago. Benjamin Frein, a finance and computer science May graduate from Garner, is one of 13 U.S. and 19 international finalists selected through regional competitions to compete for $150,000 in cash, prizes and services at the GSEA Global Finals Competition Nov. 18-20 in Kansas City, Mo.
GSEA, sponsored by the Entrepreneurs' Organization representing business owners in 42 countries, recognizes the world's top undergraduate student entrepreneurs who are actively running successful businesses.
Frein's primary company is E-Holdings LLC, which specializes in Web site design and hosting and operates several e-commerce businesses including www.BellyBling.net, www.BodyBling.net and www.GreatMiniatures.com. Frein's company is housed at the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center's (JPEC) Student Business Incubator.
Frein worked with the UNI JPEC to prepare for the competition and found the competition and process challenging and rewarding. After a 10-minute presentation, Frein answered questions from the panel of judges regarding the scalability of his business and his ability to overcome obstacles. His selection as a finalist qualified him to be part of the highly selective accelerator program of the Entrepreneurs' Organization.
The UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, a division of UNI's Business and Community Services, provides a range of innovative educational programs and support services designed for student entrepreneurs. The center provides expertise in all stages of business planning and development and serves as a vehicle to bring new products and technologies to market. For more information about JPEC at UNI, visit www.jpec.org, call (319) 273-JPEC (5732) or e-mail jpec@uni.edu.
- END -
|
