The United States Embassy, in collaboration with Tribe Tampere is excited to announce the American Entrepreneurial Challenge 2021. Together, we seek to challenge secondary and upper secondary school students to bring their fresh perspectives for new business ideas, create viable business plans, and successfully pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges. Participants have the opportunity to improve their business skills and learn from mentors throughout the competition. This year’s competition will be virtual. The winners will receive financial support, mentoring, and (COVID permitting) a trip to an entrepreneurial summer camp.
First launched in 2013 as the Ambassador’s Entrepreneurial Challenge, the competition has become an annual tradition. This year, the competition has a new name, American Entrepreneurial Challenge, but the goal is the same – increasing entrepreneurial spirit among young people. Together, we are fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs who will continue transatlantic leadership for a better tomorrow.
Tribe Tampere is an entrepreneurial community who works to unite and empower entrepreneurial people. As the organizer of the AEC, Tribe is supporting future founders to take action and nurturing their growth mindset to create a thriving startup ecosystem in Tampere and in Finland. Tribe also seeks to connect young people with student-led Entrepreneurship Societies around Finland to help them create valuable connections from day one. Tribe will feature its team of four experienced members to carry out the competition: Juho Mäkinen as the Project Coordinator, with Ilia Fedorov, Petteri Kiuru and Michelle Frank. Platform6 startup house is also a supporting partner of the project.
Tribe Tampere has a history of supporting entrepreneurial and startup related projects in Finland. In the spring of 2020, Tribe was also one of the organizers of the Startup World Cup online competition. Tribe is also the organizer of the annual Most Startup Friendly Company in Finland competition.
AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURIAL CHALLENGE 2021
- Series of 6 online competitions for students in Finland.
- 38 teams – 102 attendees.
- First semi-finals in April 2021. Finals in May 2021.
- 13 secondary school teams – 34 attendees.
One winner and two runner-ups will be awarded with financial support for the development of their business idea, mentoring, and a summer camp in Finland, with a heavy startup focus. - 25 upper secondary school teams – 68 attendees.
One winner and two runners-up will be selected: awards will include financial support for the development of the business idea and mentoring