On December 6, 2023, Augsburg held its inaugural Auggie Entrepreneurship Cup. The goal of the Auggie Cup is to help students develop their entrepreneurial skills and prepare them for a successful future. This is done through core curriculum, collaboration between undergrad and MBA students, incubator experiential learning, and mentorship with successful local business leaders.
A total of 21 students were divided into three groups of undergraduate business, MBA, and graphic design students. The graphic design students developed the branding, logo, and marketing materials. Each group presented their projects in front of a panel of judges. They were graded on 5 criteria: mission/vision/value/situation analysis, graphic design, marketing plan, financial plan, and overall presentation.
After a “shark tank” style day of presentations, the judges determined first, second, and third place winners and awarded cash prizes. Around 100 students, parents, faculty, staff, regents, business advisory board members, and donors attended the award ceremony and reception. “The event exceeded everyone’s expectations and there was wonderful synergy and teamwork!” shared George Dierberger, MBA Director, and Thomas and Karen Howe Endowed Professor for Entrepreneurship.
Learn more about the student projects below!
1st Place Winners
Vaske
A proposed AI Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for business owners to use to boost their brand visibility and online presence.
Team Members
Phil Holt, MBA, 2024
Emmanuel Jean, MBA, 2024
Brynn Hostettler Marketing, 2025
Isabella Barrientes, Graphic Design, 2024
Erick Jaramillo, Graphic Design, 2024
Valerie Yang, Graphic Design, 2024
Second Place Winners
Prairie Port
A proposed product to provide accessible electronic vehicle (EV) charging solutions to underserved communities.
Team Members
Mohamed Elshobery, MBA, 2024
Sibille Okadjo, MBA, 2024
Simon Tewalt, Business, 2024
Ikram Barre, Business, 2024
Estefaney Pina, Graphic Design, 2024
Shah Hasan, Graphic Design, 2024
Casey Kreie, Graphic Design, 2024
Ana Pena, Graphic Design, 2024
Third Place Winners
Point B
A proposed service that provides a unique array of sustainable and accessible outdoor experiences for adventure lovers.
Team Members:
Allen Davis, MBA, 2023
Sadia Mohamed, MBA, 2024
Sasha Ortiz International business, 2024
Lauren Damgaard, Graphic Design, 2024
Katie Strombeck, Graphic Design, 2024
Andre Ziemer, Graphic Design, 2024
Blake Carpenter, Graphic Design, 2024
Thank you to the 2023 sponsors of the Auggie Cup:
Tom ’72 and Karen Howe
Mike Nathan
Modulate Capital
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
SPIRE Credit Union, as of January 1, 2024 it is now known as Blaze Credit Union
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Director of Corporate Partnership and Engagement Catherine Hurley at hurleyc@augsburg.edu.