Do you have a business idea that you would like to pitch? We are looking for entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds to participate in the Startup Business Pitch Contest held in Jamestown, ND or virtually, as needed. Finalists will compete for scholarships in a Business Pitch Presentation at the University of Jamestown’s Unruh-Sheldon building. University of Jamestown students pursuing any field of study, as well as, the general public are welcome to participate.

The deadline for entries will be Friday, April 1st. Business Pitch submissions are reviewed by contest sponsors and finalists will be chosen. All finalists will receive presentation coaching upon request. Awards and entry rules are listed below.

A presentation event date will occur between April 10th and 28th based on the input of the finalists and judges schedules. Each presenter will have five minutes to present their business idea to the 3-person panel of judges. The judges will have four minutes to ask questions to understand more about the viability of the business.

At the completion of the pitches, the judges will award the two 1st place finishers, two 2nd place finishers, and two 3rd place finishers. Scholarship awards will be paid directly to the University of Jamestown on behalf of the awardee for matriculating in programs both through the University of Jamestown (https://www.uj.edu/) and UJ Accelerated (https://accelerated.uj.edu/). There is no requirement that the top finishers open a business in Jamestown, ND. However, there are financial incentives available for opening a business within the city.

Awards:

1st Place

– $1,000 University of Jamestown or UJ Accelerated Scholarship

2nd Place

– $750 University of Jamestown or UJ Accelerated Scholarship

3rd Place

– $500 University of Jamestown or UJ Accelerated Scholarship

Rules:

Participants must be available to present their idea in front of the audience and judges. The competition is for individuals who have played a major role in conceiving the proposed venture. Each individual or team pitching may enter one idea or concept. Students from any major or minor are welcome to participate in the competition. As well, the competition is open to the general public. The business must be in the pre-revenue stage. Contestants should be aware that no one on the panel or in the audience will be completing a non-disclosure agreement. Check with an attorney about what information to present if there is a concern about it becoming public.

Guidelines:

Objective – The goal of the pitch is to define the idea or concept by explaining a product, service or value proposition in a short duration of time (5 minutes). This is not a sales pitch, but a description of the validity of the business idea.

Introduction – Participants are encouraged to introduce their team members and the problem their business is trying to solve.

Format – The pitch is a simple summary of the concept and during the presentation, you can use any form of media (including PowerPoint/whiteboard) to assist in the explanation of the idea.

Time – There are 5 minutes allocated to each participant and 4 minutes allowed for questions and answers with the judges. Time will be tracked and the presentation will be cut off at the end of the allotted time.

For questions regarding the “Startup Business Pitch Contest” contact Katherine Roth at 701-253-4112 or Katherine.Roth@uj.edu.