The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup is the premier academic business plan competition for the State of Louisiana and now is your chance to earn money and join the excitement of Louisiana business growth.
Open to all majors with one of the largest cash prizes in the nation, this is your opportunity to develop critical thinking, team building, presentation, and other soft skills — all important to career growth.
The Pelican Cup is open to any full or part-time, certificate or degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a 4 year college or university in the state of Louisiana.
Current enrollment is defined as enrollment in a certificate or degree-seeking program of study during the summer/fall 2026, and/or 2027 spring semesters. Students who graduate with a certificate or degree during the 2026 summer/fall semesters are eligible to compete.
The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup will again host two divisions in 2027. An undergraduate student division and a graduate student division.
Graduate Prizes:
- First Place — $50,000
- Second Place — $25,000
- Third Place — $10,000
- Elevator Pitch Winner — $2,000
First, Second, and Third place faculty advisors to receive $3,000.
Undergraduate Prizes:
- First Place — $25,000
- Second Place — $15,000
- Third Place — $10,000
- Elevator Pitch Winner — $2,000
First, Second, and Third Place faculty advisors to receive $3,000.
Applications open December 1, 2026.
Applications are due January 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.
For any questions, email hemed@ulm.edu