Concordia Catalyst Competition (C3)

Name: Concordia Catalyst Competition (C3)
Start: 2025-09-30T19:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-09-30T21:00:00-05:00
Location: Concordia University, Nebraska

Competition Registration

September 30, 2025
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

October 28, 2025

November 11, 2025

C3 consists of a Mentor Night prior to both the fall and spring competitions: the Fall Pitch Competition and the Spring Business Plan Competition. C3 was created to provide practical experience for those formulating and executing business plan ideas. C3 is open to high school students, community members and all current Concordia University, Nebraska students and alumni of the university.

Mentor Night (Fall & Spring Semesters)

The Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership offers two Mentor Nights where competitors can meet with business leaders in Seward County and receive feedback and advice for moving forward to a fully-functioning business. This event is hosted off campus at a Seward establishment.

Pitch Competition (Fall Semester)

The Pitch Competition is held in the fall of each year. Competitors develop an idea for a business, conduct market research and receive 90-120 seconds to pitch their idea. Participants compete in a semi-final round judged by Seward County or broader-area business leaders, Concordia University, Nebraska faculty and staff or other guest judges. The top four to six finalists are chosen to participate in the Pitch Competition finals judged by local and regional business leaders. Cash prizes and other gifts may be awarded to the top finalists.

Business Plan Competition (Spring Semester)

The Business Plan Competition is held in the spring of each year. This opportunity allows individuals up to 10 minutes to add financial analysis and other market and business research from the Pitch Competition to demonstrate the viability and legitimacy of their proposed business idea. All participants will compete in the semi-finals round and the top four to six participants to compete in the finals. Cash prizes and other gifts may be awarded to the top finalists.

Fall Semester 2025 Competition Schedule

Mentor Night September 30, 2025 7 - 9 p.m.

Sparetime Lounge & Grill

Local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Seward are on hand to meet with students, community members and alumni to help them with questions and logistics of taking an idea to a fully-functioning business.

Semifinals October 28, 2025

Finals November 11, 2025

Dunklau Center for Business, Math & Science (Lobby and Lecture Hall)

Spring Semester 2026 Competition Schedule Coming Soon

Mentor Night TBD

Location: TBA

Local entreprenuers and small business owners in Seward are on hand to meet with students, community members and alumni to help them with questions and logistics of taking an idea to a fully-functioning business.