Side Hustle Challenge

A side hustle is a job or business venture you take on in addition to your main commitments, like school or a part-time job. It’s a flexible way to earn extra money and explore your passions. Whether it’s freelance projects, selling handmade goods, or offering a service, a side hustle lets you gain new skills and achieve your financial goals while still focusing on your studies.

The Side Hustle Challenge is an annual competition hosted by the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UMKC. Open to all UMKC students running a side job or small business, participants are invited to submit a short social media video explaining who they are, what their business does, why they started it, and the successes and challenges they’ve faced. The challenge runs throughout October, with an awards ceremony on November 12, offering students the chance to showcase their side hustles and compete for recognition and prizes. 

Submissions

Thoroughly address these prompts in a 2-minute TikTok/Reels style video.

  • Introduce yourself and your business 
  • Describe your product/service 
  • Explain why you started the business and your motivation for continuing it 
  • Discuss at least one major success and one key challenge you’ve faced 
  • Demonstrate creativity, energy, and clarity in communication
 
Applications are accepted from October 1 through October 29, 2024.
Applications are now closed

Rules and Eligibility

Entry Criteria

  • Applicant must be a current UMKC undergraduate or graduate student 
    • Faculty are not eligible to participate 
  • Must operate a small business or side hustle while attending school 
  • Must submit a social media friendly video no more than 2 minutes in length 
    • Videos over two minutes will not be considered

 

Video Format 

  • Introduce yourself and your business 
  • Describe your product/service 
  • Explain why you started the business and your motivation for continuing it 
  • Discuss at least one major success and one key challenge you’ve faced 
  • Demonstrate creativity, energy, and clarity in communication

 

Additional Rules and Considerations 

  • Only original content should be submitted 
  • The side hustle must be currently operational or in progress

International Students

It is important to remind all international students that participating in business and/or entrepreneurial activities can impact your legal status in the United States. We are committed to supporting your entrepreneurial aspirations but please remember that compliance with visa requirements is your responsibility, and any violations may have serious consequences. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact UMKC’s International Student Affairs Office, where dedicated ISAO team members are available to provide guidance and support. 
Visit UMKC's ISAO

Evaluation Criteria

  1. Presentation & Engagement: 
    • How engaging is the video in terms of energy, authenticity, and passion? 
    • Is the format appropriate for a social media video?  
  2. Clarity of Storytelling: 
    • Does the student clearly communicate who they are, what their side hustle does, and why they started it? 
    • Is the problem the business solves easy to understand? 
  3. Originality & Innovation: 
    • How creative and unique is the side hustle? 
    • Does it stand out in the market or offer something new? 
  4. Impact & Success: 
    • What milestones or successes has the business achieved? 
    • Does it have a measurable impact on the student’s personal or professional development? 
  5. Challenge & Resilience: 
    • How well does the student address challenges or setbacks they’ve faced? 
    • Have they shown resilience and problem-solving skills? 

Awards Information

The 2024 Side Hustle Challenge awards will be held a the First Tuesday Founder Series on November 12 (Moved from November 5 due to Election Day).

If you are selected as a finalist, attendance at the awards ceremony will be required to Receive any scholarships / awards associated with the event.