The competition will be held in Schneider Hall at the Haworth College of Business. The address for the building is 2300 Business Court, Kalamazoo MI 49006 and parking will be available in lot 72R.
The Bronco Pitch Competition is an annual event where Western Michigan University and area high school students can pitch their innovative business ideas to expert entrepreneurs. This is their opportunity to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and advance their business concepts toward launching a profitable business.
2024 Bronco Pitch Competition
The date of this year's competition has been set for Friday, April 19! We look forward to welcoming you at the Haworth College of Business.
The general public is invited to attend the final round of pitch presentations starting at noon in 2000 Schneider Hall.
The deadline to apply to compete has been extended to Friday, April 5.
FAQ
Entrepreneurial opportunities at WMU
About K.C. O'Shaughnessy
The Bronco Pitch Competition is funded and was started in memory of Dr. K.C. O'Shaughnessy, a professor of management in the Haworth College of Business and director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, who passed away in 2011. The work he started in the area of entrepreneurship led to the creation of events like this competition, the minor in entrepreneurship, and the formation of the business accelerator Starting Gate. His legacy lives on in the students who now benefit from these programs.
O'Shaughnessy was the founding director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a clearinghouse for ideas on entrepreneurial studies.
He joined the WMU faculty in 1994. He taught strategic management, human resource management and managing change. His commitment to his students was always evident. He loved teaching and exploring ideas with his undergraduate and graduate students.