Melbourne University Entrepreneurship Challenge (MUEC) 2010 begins its 11th year of competition. During the intensive 12-week MUEC competition, teams have the opportunity to work with a mentor and put their business plans under the microscope of experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and academics. Selected finalists present their plans at the Grand Final. Past finalists have gone on to implement their business plans and begin successful start-ups in Melbourne, Australia and internationally.

As well as focusing on traditional entrepreneurialism, this year MUEC has a strong emphasis on social enterprise and social entrepreneurship. Social enterprises can be business ventures that bring about social or environmental change, or are perhaps companies that pioneer creative solutions to a social problem.

Challenging entrepreneurs to build sustainable and social change will be supported by a prize to help launch the winning venture in the new Social Entrepreneurship category.

Industry and Alumni involvement

The success of MUEC continues to be closely linked to the involvement of Industry and Alumni. Students get the opportunity to apply themselves with real business opportunities to take new products or services to market. MUEC provides access to a wide source of resources and exposure to some of Melbourne’s entrepreneurial and capital finance elite and priceless feedback during the assessment.

The competition is run over 12 weeks, allowing ideas to develop and mature, peaking at the Grand Pitch as teams present their business to a panel of experts. This years competition begins on 10th Feb 2010 with a Beer Mat Challenge and registrations close by 1st March 2010.

Businesses or social enterprises interested in participating need to register their interest via email at MUEC@mbsec.org with the subject heading MUEC Enquiry. Visit the MUEC website – http://muec.mbsec.org/