About Us
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is the premier global competition for students who own and operate a business while attending college or university. Nominees compete against their peers from around the world in a series of local and national competitions in the hope of qualifying for the Global Finals.
EO GSEA supports student entrepreneurs who require much-needed mentorship, recognition and connections to take their businesses to the next level of success.

Why?

Our vision is to empower student entrepreneurs to become the world’s most influential change makers. We’re on a mission to give student entrepreneurs the opportunity to accelerate their success, challenge the status quo, connect to an instrumental peer group and make the greatest impact possible in their community.

Who?

Undergraduate and graduate* college/university students who own and operate a business for at least six months are eligible to compete.

Where?

Qualifying competitions are held in cities and countries worldwide.

When?

Competitions take place throughout the calendar year with the GSEA Global Finals typically held in June.

Why, Who, Where & When
The history of EO GSEA
1998

The program originates at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University, encompassing participants from Canada, the United States and Mexico.

2002

The competition’s name changes to “Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)” to reflect its new global scope.

2006

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) takes over the program to provide a sustainable model, and continued growth and expansion.

2007

GSEA expands into Australia, Africa and Asia.

2008

Student nominations reach 1,000.

2009

GSEA expands into 12 new countries, for a total of 18.

2014

Local and national competitions grow to over fifty locations.

2016

Fifty student finalists from 50 different countries attend Global Finals in Bangkok, Thailand.

2019

GSEA expands into six new countries, for a total of 56.

2021

Own the Room is released. The film follows the inspirational journeys of five GSEA finalists on the road to the Global Finals.

2022

Start It Up Season 2 continues to be a success and doubles its reach and views, hitting 4,6 million views on YouTube.

Friends of GSEA

Operating a truly global competition series requires a network of other organizations, universities, and individuals who are all committed to our shared goal of supporting student entrepreneurs along their journey. The Friends of GSEA program works with these groups to help reach more students worldwide, operate more local competitions, and grow the reach of our resources. We are truly grateful for their support!

Become a Friend of GSEA. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Become a Friend here
Project Management Institute
Kazakhstan
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Finland
Junior Chamber International
Slovakia