Where Do I Begin? The Great Lakes Entrepreneur's Quest is a year-round educational program offering classes, training, coaching and mentoring to help entrepreneurs start, develop or accelerate a high-growth business. GLEQ participants are eligible to compete in one of two business plan paths.: New Business Idea Emerging Company Competitors have the chance to win seed capital, to receive valuable services (e.g., legal, accounting, consulting) and to explore other opportunities that can help one launch or grow a business.

New Business Idea GLEQ's New Business Idea path is targeted at entrepreneurs with little or no business start-up experience. This path - offered twice a year - provides basic business plan training and education, as well as networking opportunities with potential team members, coaches, angel investors, government resources and others. You may enter the competition in this category as many times as you like, until you win and are elevated to the Emerging Company category. Eligible participants will submit a 5-page executive summary that captures their innovation, relevant experience and market opportunity. Coaches will assist with the development of the executive summary and judges will provide feedback.

Emerging Company GLEQ’s Emerging company path is for entrepreneurs with some business or start-up experience. The path has two distinct rounds. In the fall, team submits a five page executive summary and in the spring, complete a full 12 page business plan. You can compete in either cycle at any time and can enter as many times as you like until you win and are no longer eligible to compete. Eligible participants (hotlink to eligibility) will submit a 5 page executive summary in the fall that captures their innovation, relevant experience and market opportunity. Coaches will assist with the development of the executive summary and judges will provide feedback. In the spring cycle, eligible participants (hotlink to eligibility) will develop a 12 page business plan that reflects a viable business model, management team and innovative product or service. Coaches will assist with the development of the business plan and judges will provide feedback. The entrepreneurs submitting the top 6 business plans will have a chance to present their business pitch to a panel of judges in the final round of the completion.