EWC 2021
The Entrepreneurship World Cup is a program that empowers entrepreneurs at all levels – from idea stage through scale-up – helping them reach the next stage in their journey. It combines a massive pitch competition with access to a global platform with virtual training resources, targeted mentoring, valuable perks, potential investment, and a shot at life-changing prizes. The top EWC100 finalists will pitch on stage for a share of US$1 million in cash prizes plus additional investment opportunities and another US$75 million in in-kind support. The Entrepreneurship World Cup is an initiative of the Misk Global Forum, Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Global Education and Leadership Foundation, backed by a broad collection of entrepreneurial support organizations and strategic partners.
STAGES OF PARTICIPATION ACCELERATE
1 - February through April 2021
Once applicants register on www.entrepreneurshipworldcup.com they are automatically onboarded and segmented into appropriate categories based on their stage: Idea, Early, Growth. Applicants are invited to participate in Accelerate 1 and learn from a series of virtual training opportunities to sharpen their skills regardless of their stage (e.g. pitch training). While participation in Accelerate 1 is not a mandatory requirement in countries where there is a National Final for judging and assessment, it is highly encouraged for all entrants. Further information is available on the EWC platform. EWC
COMPETITIONS - May through July National Organizers hold their competition in their country throughout May, June and July, selecting a national winner (or winners, if applicable).
They are invited to register for Accelerate 2 to receive structured support and direct mentorship through EWC Accelerates – while preparing for a chance to be among the EWC 100 that will compete in the Global Finals.
ACCELERATE 2 - August through September All “Global Finalists” are invited to participate in a structured virtual bootcamp comprised of two or three cohorts organized by Idea Stage, Early Stage and Growth Stage. Teams participate in weekly 90-minute cohort-level workshop and direct one-to-one mentorship sessions designed to explore unique challenges, uncover applicable solutions and refine their pitch and presentation. This phase is mandatory for idea stage startups but optional for early and growth stage startups. EWC GLOBAL FINALS - November The top 100 global finalists are selected as the EWC 100, and they will be invited to pitch at the Global Finals in Riyadh at the Misk Global Forum. The EWC 100 are put through live training sessions and given the opportunity to network with potential investors and compete on stage for a share of prizes worth millions of dollars. Post-EWC SUPPORT EWC100 are enrolled in the GEN Starters Club, providing a global peer network, mentorship and other support services to help members reach their full potential. Other partners may be engaged to provide post-EWC support.
