The Entrepreneurs' Organization's Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) got underway today at the New York Stock Exchange.  

More than 1600 student business owners from 30 countries around the world applied for the contest for their chance at the title of Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year and $250,000 in cash and in-kind business services.

"The Entrepreneurs' Organization's GSEA global finalists represent the top business leaders of tomorrow," said Samer Kurdi, Global Chairman of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. "In experiencing peer learning and the global interconnectivity of entrepreneurship even before graduating college, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards provides each finalist a leg up on their competition that will push their business to the next level for years to come. With the tremendous efforts of Entrepreneurs' Organization members, we have received more GSEA applications than ever and continue to expand our network worldwide."

This year, student finalists represent a diverse mix of countries, with nominations and applications pouring in from 30 distinct countries, from Nepal to Nigeria. In 2012, Mexico, India, Russia, Turkey and Canada represent the top five countries where student business owners submitted the most applications. Mexico led the world with 288 student entrepreneurs applying for their chance at the Global Finals. India came in second with 186 applications, followed by Russian students who submitted 146, Turkish students at 135 and finally Canadian student business owners submitting 76 applications.

Follow along on Twitter @GSEACompetition.

tags: featured, GSEA