Business pitch competition open to WMU student entrepreneurs

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Students from across campus are invited to present their business pitches for cash prizes totaling $4,000 at the annual Pitch Competition Friday, March 24, at Western Michigan University.

WMU Pitch Competition awards $4,000 in prizes

How it works

Aspiring entrepreneurs will be asked to develop a three-minute pitch about an innovative business idea for an audience of potential investors. Students will be evaluated in progressive rounds by panels of judges comprised of faculty, entrepreneurs and members of the business community. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four finishers: $1,700 for first place; $1,200 for second place; $800 for third place; and $300 for people's choice/most entertaining.

The competition is open to all current WMU students.

Developing business ideas

"The Pitch Competition is a great way for students to develop their business ideas by stating a problem, how they intend to solve it, and then selling that idea to an audience," says Dr. Robert Landeros, chair of the Department of Management and director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. "The competitive, professional environment of the competition pushes students to really think through their business concepts. Their three-minute pitch is a trial run for the real thing. They get credible feedback, and the process sets them up for success when they refine their ideas and move them forward."

Competition Schedule

Optional Information Sessions—pizza provided; information sessions are only open to current WMU students

• Wednesday, March 15, noon to 1 p.m., 1335 Schneider Hall, Haworth College of Business
• Thursday, March 16, noon to 1 p.m., Parkview Room, Floyd Hall, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Competition

• Friday, March 24, 1 to 3:30 p.m., 2150 Schneider Hall, Haworth College of Business

For more information, contact Landeros at robert.landeros@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5802. Visit wmich.edu/pitch for more details and to apply. Apply by midnight on March 19.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.