Could have been in a non-profit.
Or I'd argue that failing miserably starting a company could still be construed as excellent.
"Too clever by half" is a phrase that was invented for situations like this.
that said, when i went to the actual site it looks genuinely community oriented. this business guy seems both slick and businessy but also honest and genuinely interested in social good.
i don't know what to think. i like grassroots and community efforts, so i want to support what he's doing. cynicism holds back progress. nonetheless, i can't shake the fishy smell. he wasn't very clear about what he's looking for--is he donating to a good cause or looking for business partners (see video) !?
anyone else applying?
I want to give back to someone who is likely to achieve something meaningful. Maybe this person will do it, or maybe next year's winner will (when I give it out again).
If you think I'm cherrypicking for ideas, then I'm sorry you're so cynical and this award isn't for you. But if you read through my site -- which I've been writing for the last 4 years -- you'll see what I'm about.
Obviously, $2,500 isn't a huge amount of money. But for some people, that small amount AND the motivation from winning something public can make all the difference. The scholarship is aimed at people who can benefit from that. If $2,500 won't do anything for you, then no big deal! But for the 1 person who will really benefit from advice, a little money, and most importantly support, I hope they hear about this.
Thanks.
disclaimer: I'm Ramit's brother and I'm not qualified to apply :(
That amount of 'scholarship' is not enough to develop something fulltime and if you're only doing it in your free time, then, you probably have enough incentive anyway.
Are there are positive criteria that would make an applicant less attractive for your scholarship?
For example:
* for profit
* teams
* a team including at least one person over 29
* progress (is this only for ideas?)
Progress means the MOST. An idea is cheap, but if you've shown you can execute, that means more than anything else.
