The Golden Pitch Returns: $3,000 for Winning GSU Student Business Ideas 

GSU - Instagram 2Deadline September 27 – Grambling State University Student Teams Can Sign Up in Canvas

Do you have a brilliant idea for a business? Get funding and advice from expert business leaders during “The Golden Pitch” 2019 competition.

From now until September 27, Student teams can enter to win funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to compete statewide for sharing their business ideas.  

What is the Golden Pitch?

The Golden Pitch is a North Louisiana entrepreneurial and business development event that is currently open to all GSU students. The competition’s goal is to provide real-world education in entrepreneurship and to boost awareness and innovation commercialization in our region.

GSU students can submit models (ideas) for new businesses in any industry. Qualifying participants will progress through 3 phases in the competition – 1) Idea Proposal, 2) Business Development Workshop, and 3) The Final Pitch.

What Can You Win?
The top 3 finalists will be awarded cash prizes, scholarships, and in-kind professional services.

  • 1st Place (Winner) – $3,000 cash, scholarship to LA Startup Prize 2019, scholarship to the Patent Academy, and 6 months of professional services from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program.
  • 2nd Place (Runner up) – $1,000 cash, scholarship to LA Startup Prize 2019, scholarship to the Patent Academy, and 6 months of professional services from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program.
  • 3rd Place (Runner up) – $500 cash, scholarship to LA Startup Prize 2019, scholarship to the Patent Academy, and 6 months of professional services from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program.

Where do I Sign Up? Phase 1 – “Idea Proposal” is Open Now. 

Start now! Apply today in Canvas or at thegoldenpitch.net and finish your application by September 27, 2019, at 11:55 p.m. On your application, be prepared to explain your business, success metrics, and your vision for getting your startup off the ground (if you already have a business plan, this could take as little as 15 minutes).

Why should you participate?

Participants will have opportunities to receive coaching from industry experts and build comradery with other entrepreneurial-minded individuals.

If you have an idea for a product, service, or new technology that could be transformed into a scalable business, we highly recommend you apply. Apart from sharpening your business and financial acumen, this competition will also provide:

  • Real world experience in the startup and capital raising process
  • Networking with industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs
  • Collaboration with other students and faculty that are entrepreneurial minded
  • Scholarships to attend the Patent Academy at Louisiana State University-Shreveport
  • Scholarships to the Louisiana Startup Prize Annual Competition
  • Professional services from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP)
  • A chance to take your business idea from concept to commercialization

Please note that any student may consult with GSU technology transfer personnel or their attorney regarding the competition prior to participating in The Golden Pitch competition, and/or during any phase of the Golden Pitch competition.

Important Dates to Remember

  • Idea Proposal Closes Friday, September 27, 11:55 p.m.
  • Workshop Qualifiers Announcement – Monday, September 30
  • Business Development Workshops – Wednesday, October 16, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
  • Final Deliverables Submission – Friday, October 30, 11:55 p.m.
  • Top Five Finalists will be announced – Friday, November 1
  • Final event (Inferno Pitch Competition) – Tuesday, November 19, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Eligibility & Student Enrollment
Applicants must be a currently enrolled as a student at GSU to participate in the competition. Only one application per individual/team is permitted.  Online students may apply but must be physically present to participate in on-campus events.

Enrollment Verification
All applicants must provide their GSU email address.

Individuals & Team Size
GSU students may apply as individuals or teams. Teams must include a minimum of two parties, but no more than four.  Teams can consist of students from different academic disciplines, and will be highly encouraged; further, cross-school collaboration will also be permitted.

About the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP)

The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, an initiative of BRF, is a public/private partnership between BRF, the Caddo Parish Commission and the City of Shreveport to diversify the regional economy, create jobs and expand the area’s tax base by providing services to innovative startups that have high growth potential. Since EAP began in 2014, the program has screened 859 startups and provided services to 260 companies. EAP’s portfolio companies have created more than 210 new jobs and raised $74 million in capital.

Learn more about how EAP works to make starting a business approachable for Louisiana at http://eapla.com.

Apply to participate in The Golden Pitch in Canvas.

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