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Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)
Empowering Student Entrepreneurs
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is the premier global competition for university and college students who own and operate a business while attending school. Since 1998, the competition has been supporting student entrepreneurs with mentorship, recognition, and connections to take their businesses to the next level of success.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is to empower student entrepreneurs to become the world's most influential change-makers. Our mission is to give student entrepreneurs the opportunity to:
- Accelerate their success
- Challenge the status quo
- Connect with an instrumental peer group
- Make the greatest impact possible in their community
We seek student entrepreneurs who think big and act boldly, providing them with tools to challenge the status quo and think differently.
The GSEA Experience
Students compete in a series of local and national competitions held in cities and countries worldwide throughout the calendar year. The journey culminates in the GSEA Global Finals, typically held in June. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year:
- Competitions were held in 34 countries
- Programs were hosted by 89 EO chapters
- More than 1,350 students pitched their businesses
It was a life changing experience, and it somehow showed to me what true entrepreneurship is really about in a safe space to share ideas and grow together.
Yara Yousry, 2024 GSEA participant from Egypt, founder of Bahtinet
It was a life changing experience, and it somehow showed to me what true entrepreneurship is really about in a safe space to share ideas and grow together.
Yara Yousry, 2024 GSEA participant from Egypt, founder of Bahtinet
Prizes and Recognition
At the Global Finals, students compete for cash prizes. In 2024, $100,000 USD were awarded to top competitors as follows:
- First place: $50,000 USD
- Second place: $25,000 USD
- Third place: $15,000 USD
The total value of all prizes, gifts, and services for all student competitors throughout the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards’ competition season is nearly half a million dollars, with additional rewards offered by participating chapters.
How GSEA Helps
Student Entrepreneurs
EO’s student entrepreneur competition offers participants:
- Feedback and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs
- Refined storytelling and pitch skills
- Expanded networks with global student entrepreneurs and EO members
- Media exposure through local and national channels, including our streaming docuseries "Start It Up"
- Valuable prizes and business services
We celebrate students who are on a path to contribute and make the world a better place, providing tools for universities to showcase their support for student entrepreneurship.
I am thankful for the continued support of this network. Social entrepreneurship is crucial in our world and for every founder, and it is inspiring to be part of a community that doesn’t just aim to change the world but actively pushes this goal.
Gernot Sümmermann, EO Kenya member and GSEA chapter chair
I am thankful for the continued support of this network. Social entrepreneurship is crucial in our world and for every founder, and it is inspiring to be part of a community that doesn’t just aim to change the world but actively pushes this goal.
Gernot Sümmermann, EO Kenya member and GSEA chapter chair
Eligibility and Judging
GSEA is open to undergraduate and graduate students who:
- Own and operate a for-profit business
- Have been running their business for at least six months
- Are between 18-30 years of age
Eligibility decisions are at the discretion of the GSEA Management Team. Judging criteria focus on both the student entrepreneur's journey and the potential of their business.
A Rich History of Fostering Entrepreneurship
GSEA has a proud history of supporting student entrepreneurs:
GSEA in the Spotlight
Our popular online streaming series, “Start it Up,” showcases GSEA finalists and their entrepreneurial journeys. In 2023, Season Two of the series attracted more than two million views on YouTube, doubling its reach from the previous season. Season Three of “Start it Up” attracted six million views across its six uplifting episodes.
GSEA is one of the most important entrepreneurial competitions in Kenya because it provides a platform for young entrepreneurs who have no exposure outside of their own ecosystem to travel and learn from entrepreneurs around the world.
Kalika Ruparelia, EO Kenya member and GSEA chapter chair
GSEA is one of the most important entrepreneurial competitions in Kenya because it provides a platform for young entrepreneurs who have no exposure outside of their own ecosystem to travel and learn from entrepreneurs around the world.
Kalika Ruparelia, EO Kenya member and GSEA chapter chair
Building a Strong
Alumni Community
GSEA is committed to building a strong alumni community that will engage with future generations by championing students who believe in making a difference. Our network of past participants continues to support and inspire new generations of student entrepreneurs.
Friends of GSEA
GSEA's global reach is made possible through partnerships with organizations, universities, and individuals committed to supporting student entrepreneurs. Our Friends of GSEA program works with these groups to:
- Reach more students worldwide
- Operate more local competitions
- Grow the reach of our resources
Legal Considerations
Participants should be aware of important legal considerations regarding confidentiality and intellectual property. While we strive to protect proprietary information, public sessions of the competition are open to the public. For more details, please refer to our FAQ page.
Join the GSEA Community
Whether you're a student entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, or an organization interested in supporting the next generation of business leaders, GSEA offers exciting opportunities to get involved.
Have Questions?
For more detailed information about eligibility, competition structure, and policies, please visit our FAQ page.