Student Business Pitch Competition

To participate in The Pitch, submit your creative, innovative idea that solves a real problem for a market that is large and growing.

Business ideas are preferred to be from student entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of their startup, but may also be conceptual and in development. Ideas may have a social purpose but should be based on a for-profit business model. All currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate Columbia College students are eligible to apply. Currently registered status is also required to participate in The Pitch Competition.

In order to be considered for the Steven and Barbara Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship Student Business Pitch Competition, you must submit your application by 5 p.m. CST October 18, 2024.

Up to 10 of the best student ideas will be selected to work with our coaches in developing a business plan and presentation for The Pitch Competition. The Fishman Center will notify the individuals/teams quickly after the deadline. If you or your team is selected as one of the finalists, you may have to go through a standard background check.

The best student startup ideas will be selected to prepare for The Pitch Competition to be held December 5, 2024.

To make it to the stage, you must develop a well-written and strategically formulated plan, and a rock star presentation. You’ll have help from our coaches along the way. These are professional individuals with years of experience starting, building, financing, and managing firms. In January and February you will develop and fine-tune your plan and pitch to make you a strong contender for the top award of $5,000.

You may submit more than one idea. If you are submitting more than one idea, you must complete one application per idea. All applications must be submitted by filling out the online application form. If selected, you or your team will only present the idea accepted by the selection committee. You may not take someone else's idea and/or intellectual property and submit as your own. Please obtain all necessary consents. Ideas may be submitted individually or as a team.

The competition will take place during our Entrepreneurship Showcase in December 2024, in the event space in New Hall on the Columbia College campus in Columbia, Missouri*. The Fishman Center will pay transportation, lodging and meals (up to approved amount) to bring you to Columbia to pitch in-person, and attendance at all Entrepreneurship Showcase events is mandatory.

_{*In the event that COVID-19 circumstances impact our ability to hold an in-person pitch competition, we will attempt to hold the pitch event virtually.}

October 18, 2024: Pitch applications due
October 25, 2024: Students will be notified
December 5, 2024: Event date (5:30-8:00pm, New Hall Event Space) 

This first semester competition will be for Lifestyle, Retail, Wellness, Hospitality, and Non-Profit pitches. The second semester competition will be for Tech, High-Growth, App, etc., pitches.

You will have until the evening of the event to prepare a 5 minute pitch and accompanying slide deck. The Fishman Center Director and other CC staff will find and assign you a coach to help you (most likely through email, zoom, or phone call).  No practice pitch submissions prior to the event, though Jay (the Director) will be happy to watch and view a practice run of your pitch and give you feedback prior to the event.

A panel of local business luminaries who have different areas of strengths and successes will be brought in to judge the event. (Not the Director or Dean.)

How much time you decide to spend on developing your idea is up to you. Just remember that turning great ideas into a viable business strategy requires time, effort and energy. During preparation for the competition, deadlines will be provided for different aspects of the pitch. It is essential that you meet the deadlines provided. Our expectation is that you take this process seriously.

After the pitches conclude on the Pitch Competition day, the winners will be determined and announcements will be made. Checks will be disbursed after the event and usually the winners receive their checks in a few weeks.