Young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to beat the clock and put their business ideas to the test this weekend.

BioLinc, Brock’s business incubator run by the Goodman School of Business, and Niagara College’s ncTakeOff program have partnered to host the fourth annual Niagara Young Entrepreneur Kick-Off Weekend from Friday, Nov. 3 to Sunday, Nov. 5.

The fourth-annual event is modelled after Startup Weekend, a worldwide event model that has entrepreneurs working overtime to form teams, create business ideas and pitch them in a competition format against a ticking clock.

Brock’s event begins Friday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. with a public lecture featuring inspirational speaker Talli Osborne, who will share her story of overcoming adversity.

Her motivational presentation, which is open to the public and takes place in Brock’s Pond Inlet, will focus on conquering challenges and obstacles.

While working as a social media specialist at Virgin Mobile Canada, Osborne was named the best customer service agent in the Americas, as well as third best in the world.

Following the keynote, entrepreneurs will form teams and the timer will start. Teams will have until Sunday to build a solid business idea before then making a pitch to a panel of judges.

Throughout the weekend, participants will also be mentored by local entrepreneurs and experts, and will receive training on entrepreneurial topics.

The event is open to Niagara residents aged 18 to 29, including entrepreneurs who have an early business idea, those looking for a business co-founder or those hoping to refine their business pitch.

Cost to participate in the full weekend is $15, including meals.

Registration is available online.

The public can also register online to attend the free Friday night event featuring Osborne.