Pingyao tests its next generation of entrepreneurs

Shanxi province held its first round of competition for the "Shanxi Merchants Cup" in Pingyao county, on Dec 9, as a way to judge the skills of college students in starting their own business.

The contestants had to explain their business idea in front of a judges panel, then discuss the idea with them and listen to their suggestions on how to improve it. To do this, the county asked the managers of various industries and entrepreneurship experts to review 20 proposals of local university students.

The contest had two parts, one covering business plans of undergrads, and the other an actual business program run by grads. The programs covered consulting, education, training, the arts, culture, online shops for agricultural products, and coffee houses, to name a few.

Six of the projects were selected to go on to the second round to compete against students from other cities. The provincial government hopes to use the contest to combine the business resources of universities, enterprises, and government to promote employment by starting individual businesses.

Edited by Fang Sha and Roger Bradshaw