Patton Foundation Returns to APSU with "Shark Tank"-Style Grant Competition for APSU Students
Austin Peay State University to Host Patton Foundation Entrepreneur Challenge for the Second Year in a Row
BRENTWOOD, TENN. – The Patton Foundation is excited to announce the return of the Patton Foundation Entrepreneurship Challenge (PFEC) at Austin Peay State University (APSU) this fall. This competition is a dynamic "Shark Tank"-style series for Tennessee students, offering grant prizes of up to $5,000.
This fall, APSU will host its second Patton Foundation challenge, beginning with a PFEC keynote by Spencer Patton on September 10, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place at Legends Bank Lecture Hall (Kimbrough Building, Room 119) on the APSU campus, in advance of the actual PFEC Challenge on October 28th.
Spencer Patton, a Tennessee native and founder of several successful companies in the logistics sector—including Patton Logistics, Route Consultant, and Hello Truck Lease—has grown his businesses from the ground up, achieving over $100 million in revenue in less than a decade. In his keynote address, titled “The Tyranny of How,” Patton will inspire young entrepreneurs to defy the odds and silence naysayers. This talk is open to the entire APSU community and aims to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among students.
"Entrepreneurship has the power to change communities more than anything else I know. That’s why the Patton Foundation and the PFEC exist—to give back to the community by equipping young entrepreneurs with the education and resources they need to turn their dreams into reality," said Patton.
Last fall, the PFEC awarded its inaugural grants to MJ Bearden, Lillian Dixon, and the team of Zaniyah Williams & Saniyah Richards, following their impressive presentations and a Q&A session with the judges.
This year’s PFEC Challenge competition is scheduled for October 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Mabry Concert Hall. Each participant will have 10 minutes to pitch their business idea, followed by a five-minute Q&A session with a panel of seasoned judges. The top three participants will receive grants: $5,000 for First Place, $2,500 for Second Place, and $1,000 for Third Place.
The challenge is open to all APSU students. Leading up to the event, participants will engage in the PFEC video workshop, a series designed to sharpen their pitches with practical tips and inspiring insights from successful entrepreneurs across Tennessee.
APSU students interested in participating must apply by October 3, 2024. Applications and details about upcoming PFEC challenges can be found at spencerpatton.com/foundation.
The Patton Foundation plans to expand PFEC Challenges to high schools and universities across Tennessee, furthering its mission to empower the state's young entrepreneurs through education and competitive opportunities.
"I’m passionate about equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, we can drive economic growth and create lasting change in our communities," Patton remarked.
About The Patton Foundation
The Patton Foundation supports Tennessee’s young entrepreneurs by providing education, opportunities for competition, and mentorship. We believe small businesses drive innovation and create jobs, and we help the next generation of leaders turn their dreams into reality.
