Area students can win prizes, scholarships in Saint Mary’s business idea contest

WINONA, Minn. — The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s University is hosting a business idea contest for budding student entrepreneurs.

The contest is open to all high school and community and technical college students in the region.

A total of $1,000 in cash prizes, plus merchandise and scholarships will be awarded. Entries must be received by Monday, March 15.

Students can enter their ideas by going to www.smumn.edu/businessidea and completing a questionnaire about their business ideas. They can then submit their entries online or print the forms and mail them to Saint Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights #56, Winona, MN, 55987. High school and community and technical college entrants will compete in two separate divisions.

Several years ago, SMU alumnus Dr. John Kabara and his wife Betty, from Galena, Ill., made a generous gift to Saint Mary’s to establish the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. A lifelong entrepreneur, particularly in the area of medical research, Dr. Kabara’s goal is to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students and to recognize the importance of entrepreneurship in society.

Dr. Thomas Marpe, dean of the School of Business, said this is a great opportunity for students to use their imagination in thinking of an idea for a business. “We know that small businesses create most of the new jobs in this country every year. If we hope to maintain the standard of living we enjoy today and have meaningful employment, entrepreneurship is necessary. We hope this competition inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs.”