Shopify contest builds businesses

Shopify is looking for a few good entrepreneurs. The cloud-based omnichannel commerce platform is launching its sixth Build a Business Competition, which invites entrepreneurs to start an entirely new business and sell their products using Shopify.



At the end of the competition, the top five stores that sell the most during a two-month period will travel to New York City to ring the opening bell at contest partner the New York Stock Exchange, be interviewed live by CNBC, then go to the Oheka Castle (The Great Gatsby mansion) for a five-day retreat including mentorship from celebrity entrepreneurs such as Russell Simmons and Tony Robbins.



During the past five years, the Build a Business Competition has helped create nearly 90,000 new businesses that have sold almost half a billion dollars’ worth of products. Past winners include DODOcase, GoldieBlox, Coffee Joulies, Bolder Band, and MVMT Watches.



The Build a Business Competition runs from October 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016, with special announcements and resources provided to contestants along the way.