They also get to hear a formal reaction to the plan by the panel at the final presentation. This experience helps prepare students for real-world business situations, whether in the corporate world or new business ventures. Entrepreneurs with high potential are invited to present ideas to interested students at the Hatchery Forum. Each entrepreneur gets 6 minutes to present the idea. The entrepreneur picks a team and pays one-half the Hatchery fee.
Students sign confidentiality and non-compete agreements.
Entrepreneurs in the Hatchery are invited to attend these workshops. Students meet regularly with the entrepreneur, the Hatchery instructor and a mentor from the business community. Students make a second presentation to the Hatchery Advisory Board. The panelists evaluate student presentations and give feedback to students and the entrepreneur about the quality of the analysis and their assessment of the potential of the opportunity. Entrepreneurs have the option of converting these payments into equity for the students.