Welcome to the 2021 Metro East Start-Up Challenge (MESC) Business Plan Competition (BPC)!

The Challenge is a $20,000 cash prize business plan competition to identify, encourage, and reward excellence in entrepreneurship in the St. Louis Metro East region. For the 8th year, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and SIUE School of Business are the competition's cornerstone sponsors.  2021's Networking Event Sponsor is Scott Credit Union who is hosting this year's Mentor-Semifinalist Networking Event. The City of Collinsville is recognized as the Competition's Angel Investor Level Sponsor. The SIUE School of Business and Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are facilitating the competition.

The purpose of the challenge is to:

1. Increase the Metro East region’s interest in and excitement for business start-ups through a competitive process;
2. Identify "growth-oriented" start-ups with plans to operate in the nine-county St. Louis Metro East region;
3. Generate a greater awareness of network services/resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners; and
4. To advance the academic mission of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville by strengthening relationships with private enterprise and expanding opportunities for both students and faculty.

The first place winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize accompanied by an array of in-kind professional services. Second and Third Place winners will receive a $6,000 cash prize and $4,000 cash prize, respectively, along with many in-kind professional services

If you are interested in sponsoring and/or providing in-kind services for The Metro East Startup Challenge, please click here to learn more!