Posted: December 6, 2016

The Greg Norman Company And University Of Miami Announce First-Ever ‘Greg Norman’s Search For The Next Great Sports Entrepreneur’

Golf Legend and Entrepreneur Looking for the Next Great Sports Entrepreneur at the UM Sport Industry Conference

West Palm Beach, Fla. (December 6, 2016) – The Greg Norman Company (GN) and the University of Miami (UM) have partnered to draw applicants from around the world to submit business ideas for the first-ever “Greg Norman’s Search for the Next Great Sports Entrepreneur.”

Greg Norman and his team of investors are on a nationwide search to discover the next successful entrepreneurs, inventors, creators and innovators in sport. Effective today, GN and UM are seeking applicants with a fantastic idea, start-up or already operating business looking to expand. If selected, applicants will have the opportunity to present to Norman and his panel at the University of Miami Sport Industry Conference on March 24, 2017 for a chance to receive the financial backing and investment needed to jumpstart their venture.

“I receive business plans, emails and letters from budding entrepreneurs looking for me to invest daily. So when presented with an opportunity to do this formally and with some structure, with the help of UM, it was a no-brainer,” said Norman. “As an entrepreneur and business owner myself, I find great satisfaction in giving others the chance to fulfill their dreams. This platform allows me to do just that and I look forward to hopefully investing in the next great undiscovered business.”

Those looking to pitch Norman must have a growing or emerging sports-related business, service or product and must register and pay to attend the University of Miami Sport Industry Conference. Four finalists will be selected and allowed a five-minute pitch followed by a 25-minute Q&A with Norman and the panel.

Timeline for application process is as follows:

  • Deadline to submit initial application: January 20, 2017
  • Finalists announced: February 10, 2017
  • Finalists’ business plans due: March 20, 2017
  • Greg Norman’s Search for the Next Great Sports Entrepreneur Pitch: March 24, 2017

“We are thrilled to partner with Greg Norman on this exciting endeavor and look forward to receiving applications from budding sport entrepreneurs around the world,” said Alicia Jessop, University of Miami Sport Administration Assistant Professor. “Our program at UM encourages students to evaluate industry needs and solutions, while the UM Sport Industry Conference exists to promote idea sharing and development, so we are thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Those with a sport-related business or product that could use financial backing are encouraged to apply at www.miamisportconference.com.

About Greg Norman

Arguably the most successful athlete-turned-entrepreneur in history, Greg Norman is widely considered a pioneer in athlete brand building. The internationally recognized “Great White Shark” won more than 90 tournaments worldwide, including two British Open Championships, and claims the distinction of having held the No. 1 position in the world golf rankings for 331 consecutive weeks.
Today, the Greg Norman Company boasts a diverse portfolio of more than a dozen well-established and successful companies, all bearing the iconic shark logo, across Consumer Goods and Services, Real Estate and Investments. And with a strong focus on authenticity, passion, confidence and leadership, the Greg Norman Company continues to inspire people to defy boundaries and play their own game.

About The University Of Miami Sport Industry Conference

Founded in 2016 by the University of Miami Sport Administration program, the University of Miami Sport Industry Conference annually brings together hundreds of sport industry leaders to share ideas, solutions and best practices. Over two days each spring, top executives from every segment of the sport industry descend upon the University of Miami campus to interact and engage in relevant dialogue with professionals, students and scholars. The mission of the University of Miami Sport Industry Conference is to facilitate meaningful connections, produce relevant discussion and generate future innovations within the sport industry.

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