BizMaker USM (FAQ) by BizMaker 2025

What is BizMaker ?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:08:23 UTC

BizMaker is an annual event organized by the Management Society, USM to provide students with a platform to improve the skills and expertise required in the business and entrepreneurship fields. In its fifth year since 2021, this year's event welcomes diploma and undergraduate students from local universities, aiming to foster creativity, originality, and practical application of business knowledge. The participating teams must pitch their business idea to a panel of judges.

How many members should a team have?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:13:47 UTC

Teams must consist of 3 to 5 people. However, you are most welcome to form teams with members from other universities. If you register individually, we will assign you to a team by gathering all individual participants.

How many stages does BizMaker 2025 have?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:18:06 UTC

Typically, there are two stages: Biz Planning [Preliminary Round] and Biz Pitching [Final Round]. Participating teams in Biz Planning must submit their business ideas within the allocated time frame through proposal and presentation slides. Only the top 10 teams with the best business ideas will be advanced to Biz Pitching after the screening process.

Which modes will BizMaker 2025 be conducted?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:23:02 UTC

BizMaker will take place in a hybrid mode this year. The workshop and mentoring sessions under the Biz Planning stage will be conducted online through Cisco Webex Meetings. In order to proceed to the Biz Pitching stage, the top 10 teams must physically present their ideas and accompanying slides to the judges at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang.

How to register?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:27:18 UTC

You may sign up with the registration link provided in our event poster and only the team leader is required to fill in the registration form on behalf of the team.

Are there any charges for BizMaker 2025?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:29:05 UTC

Yes, we are charging RM25 per team as registration fees.

When can I receive the Business Challenge Topic?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:31:17 UTC

A participant info pack which is a competition handbook regarding business challenge topic, rules and regulations, judging criteria and submission info will be released to participants on 12 April 2025 via email.

Does BizMaker 2025 accept participants with zero experience and knowledge in business to join the event?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:34:09 UTC

Without a doubt, yes! We invite people of all backgrounds to participate in BizMaker 2025. Don't worry if you don't have the necessary knowledge; our mentors will support you and give you the advice you need throughout the competition.

Does BizMaker 2025 accept individual participants?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:36:13 UTC

Yes, participants may register individually; however, the organizer will assign you to a team at random. As soon as registration is closed, you will meet your teammates and proceed to the payment of registration fees.

What will I gain from joining BizMaker 2025?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:39:24 UTC

All participants will receive an E-certificate and MyCSD (for USM students only), in addition to being equipped with real-life business scenarios. You all stand to win large cash prizes as well. For more updates, follow us on our official social media channels!

Does all the proposal that has been submitted will be owned under USM?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:41:31 UTC

The proposal submitted will be owned under Management Society, USM for the BizMaker competition purpose only.

Are we allowed to prepare the slides by using Canva instead of PowerPoint?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:43:22 UTC

Yes, participants are allowed to prepare the slides by using Canva.

What is the difference between Biz Workshop Session and Biz Mentoring Session?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:49:02 UTC

Within the biz planning framework, these two sessions are the highlights of the event. By attending them, you can generate creative ideas and concepts for your projects.

BIZ WORKSHOP SESSION

A virtual business seminar with notable and distinguished speakers that will primarily focus on business plan development and pitching skills. All participants are compulsory to join this session. This session is open to public too.

BIZ MENTORING SESSION

Participants can choose whether or not to attend this exclusive mentor-mentee session, which is optional. During this session, they can seek advice from knowledgeable professionals regarding their suggested business ideas.

It must be a completely new business idea?

bizmaker2025 — 2025-02-20 12:54:27 UTC

The proposed concept must be unique and must not include any modified features from other sources.

The idea submitted must be originally from the participants and unpublished at any source.

The idea should not violate any intellectual property rights.