The previous SMU Business Plan Competition will be replaced by the new Cox Graduate Entrepreneurship Club (CGEC) Business Accelerator Program. This program will provide SMU students (undergraduate and graduate) and recent graduate SMU alumni entrepreneurs the growth opportunity of an existing start-up. This intense and enriching 6-month program offers a unique combination of immersive workshops, mentorship, as well as access to a wealth of entrepreneurial and investor networks. The program is designed to accelerate ideas, technologies, products, or existing businesses into a thriving market by providing startup support. This program features two competitions; (1) a Semi-Finalist pitch competition that awards over $5,000 non-dilutive pre-seed funding cash and in-kind donations and (2) a Finalist SMU Cox startup launch competition that awards over $50,000 in cash and in-kind donations.