Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge, Education, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT.
The John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge is the only statewide, experiential learning event hosted annually by the University of Montana College of Business since 1989.
02/25/2025
Turn your ideas into reality tonight!! Join us for workshop from 4:00-5:30PM in UC329 (3rd floor of the University Center)! đź“Ť
đź’ˇGet guidance on submissions
đź“ťWork on your application
🤝Learn more about entrepreneurship
The last workshop open to everyone is TONIGHT!
We hope to see you there! 🔥
02/21/2025
💡Got a brilliant idea? It’s time to take your startup to the next level!🚀 Submit your venture idea to the John Ruffato Startup Challenge for a chance to win funding, gain expert mentorship, and get hands-on experience that will set you apart in the business world. Don’t miss the opportunity to launch your dream - submit today!! https://umschoolofbusinesss.submittable.com/submit
02/19/2025
Ready to turn your big idea into reality?
The Ruffatto Startup Challenge is YOUR chance to launch your venture, gain expert guidance, and compete for funding!
Here's a detailed look into what the process of the competition looks like.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Enter now! 🔗 Submit your startup here: https://umschoolofbusinesss.submittable.com/submit
05/13/2024
Congratulations to all the teams that competed at the 35th John Ruffatto Startup Challenge on Friday night. It was great to see so many students passionate about entrepreneurship. We are very grateful to all our donors and sponsors that helped make this event possible, including our title sponsors Ontra Marketing Group and Missoula Economic Partnership. This year, we were able to award over $50k in prizes to the up-and-coming student entrepreneurs in Montana.
2024 Award Winners:
StarSync Studio, ProSoles, and SafeHaven Home Services.
People's Choice Award - Soda Summit
Best Elevator Pitch - I.B. Delicious
Brandon Speth Award for Passion, Poise and Charisma - Carson Crary of I.B. Delicious
Athena Award - Shienagreata Medrano of BrightSite
Intent to Launch - Soda Summit
Most Innovative - MineralFi
ESG Award - Skid Homes
MonTEC Startup Award - SafeHaven Home Services
HealthTech Award - GlutenGuard
Creativity Award - MindBodyMat
04/16/2024
We can't wait to see everyone for the live finals on Friday, April 26!
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the competition beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Gallagher Business Building Room 106. The event is free and open to everyone.
UM Student Startup Challenge Returns for 35th Year The University of Montana College of Business is set to host the 35th annual John Ruffatto Startup Challenge (JRSC) April 26, showcasing the innovative spirit of Montana's student entrepreneurs. With a record 100 submissions, this year's competition promises a diverse range of ideas and talent. Them...
04/16/2022
Thank you to all our sponsors, judges, coaches, competitors and attendees that made the 33rd John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge a success!
Our prize winners in 2022:
- People's Choice Award - Bloom Technologies - $3,500
- Best Elevator Pitch - Telepathy Inc. - $3,500
- Brandon Speth Award for Passion, Poise and Charisma - Zariah Tolman of Positivity Outward - $1,000
- Athena Award - Positivity Outward - $2,000
- Intent to Launch - Karn - $1,000
- Most Innovative - Morel Technology - $1,500
- ESG Award - Bloom Technologies - $1,000
- 4th place - Telepathy Inc. - $2,500
- 3rd place - Bloom Technologies - $5,000
- 2nd place - Positivity Outward - $7,500
- 1st place - Morel Technology - $15,000
04/15/2022
The finalists are set! Join us for tonight's live event in the ALi Auditorium as these four student teams compete to take home the grand prize at the 33rd annual John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the programming begins at 5 p.m.
04/14/2022
We Stock Your Shop provides an online real-time live purchasing experience of wholesale inventory with no MOQ for small retail business owners, while providing an information platform to customers that will help their companies prosper and grow. We Stock Your Shop LLC, along with seven other teams, will be competing in the 33rd John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge this Friday at 5 p.m. in the ALi Auditorium in the UM College of Education. The event is free and open to the public!
JRBSC 2022 | We Stock Your Shop Elevator Pitch We Stock provides an online real-time live purchasing experience of wholesale inventory with no MOQ for small retail business owners, while providing an info...
04/14/2022
Karn produces quality leather mittens with unique designs for skiing and snowboarding. Karn, along with seven other teams, will be competing in the 33rd John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge this Friday at 5 p.m. in the ALi Auditorium in the UM College of Education. The event is free and open to the public!
JRBSC 2022 | Karn Elevator Pitch Karn creates quality leather mittens with unique designs for skiing and snowboarding.
04/13/2022
Telepathy Inc. improves coherent LiDAR to eliminate the last barrier to an autonomous vehicle future. Telepathy Inc., along with seven other teams will be competing in the 33rd John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge this Friday at 5 p.m. in the ALi Auditorium in the UM College of Education. The event is free and open to the public!
04/13/2022
Through its app, Positivity Outward helps connect rural youth to mentors that empower the students to use reflection and action as tools for confidence and well-being. Positivity Outward, along with seven other teams will be competing in the 33rd John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge this Friday at 5 p.m. in the ALi Auditorium in the UM College of Education. The event is free and open to the public!