The Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) has unveiled a new initiative to help student entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.

The BUSU Blueprint Business Incubator is a pilot project to provide qualifying students with financial help and expertise in developing new enterprises.

Applications are now being accepted for the program. All Brock students with exciting and unique business ideas are encouraged to apply.

“The Blueprint incubator pilot program is designed to further the growth of student entrepreneurs,” said Daud Grewal, President of BUSU. “I encourage all undergraduate students with a business idea to submit an application and witness their ideas develop and become successful.”

President Jack Lightstone said Brock is “pleased to see our students’ union encourage and develop the entrepreneurial talents of our students.

“We applaud efforts to incubate student-driven enterprises and turn innovative ideas into sustainable business opportunities within our region.”

Students who submit their business proposals will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to, and have them critiqued and evaluated by, professional partners from Brock, BUSU and the Niagara community.

A team of experienced business experts will assess the applications. They will also work with students to help them present their ideas to the Blueprint Advisory Council. Successful applicants will receive business mentoring and up to $2,000 in funding.

Blueprint is a pilot program tailored to Brock undergraduate students. If a team wishes to submit an application, at least 50 per cent of a team must be Brock undergraduate students.

The deadline is Jan. 31, 2012.