October 2, 2026
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett McConnell University’s Hans Hut School of Business is partnering with a Texas company to provide scholarship funding for entrepreneurially minded business students, plus a Shark Tank-themed contest that allows them to compete for $10,000 in start-up funding a new business.
Truett McConnell and Novel Ventures announced the partnership on Tuesday, providing details that include providing students with internships, mentoring opportunities with successful business leaders, and expert collaboration on new business development and innovation.
The competition for business startup funds is set for April 20 at 7 p.m. in Odell Hall. It will be open to the public.
Students can compete individually or as teams, presenting new products and business plans to a panel of judges who will choose the top three proposals
Students presenting the top three proposals will receive scholarship funding and one-on-one professional mentoring. The top proposal will receive the $10,000 in startup capital from Novel Ventures.
“This new partnership with Novel Ventures is incredibly exciting for our business students and underscores our commitment to providing a quality education with real world experience,” said Stacy Hall, an assistant business professor who leads the school’s strategic partnerships initiative. “Novel Ventures is a startup studio on the cutting edge of entrepreneurialism. Our students will benefit greatly.”
Novel Ventures’ managing partner, Matt Rial, said the companies of the next generation will be the ones that change the world.
“People are the greatest asset in any endeavor,” Rial said. “We are excited for this opportunity to highlight their potential and equip these students with the confidence and tools they need to become entrepreneurs.”
Share with others
