Quick Pitch Opportunity is an event where you can showcase your entrepreneurial, communication and presentation skills through a short “quick pitch” proposal for a new or existing business venture. This event will be hosted virtually. Participants will have 3 minutes to pitch their business and 2 minutes for Q&A. If you are not able to attend the event, we will also accept a 5 minute pitch video. 

A panel of graduate and undergraduate UVU students will judge proposals and provide students with valuable feedback. Students also have the opportunity to develop their ideas, network with other students, successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. $2,500 worth of prizes will be awarded. Everyone is invited to participate. Award preference will be given to businesses that create an impact in the area of equity for communities of color and women.

Applying

WHO QUALIFIES TO PITCH?

You qualify if you or your business meet any of the following criteria:

• You, the founder or owner of the business are a woman of color (if you would fill out a survey with something other than “white” or “caucasian”, you fit the bill)
• Your company will help develop, improve, support, or otherwise create an impact in the area of equity for communities of color and women
• A co-founder or other partner in the business with a majority stake in the company is a woman of color

You do NOT have to be a student.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PITCH?

In the 3 minutes of your pitch, there are important things to include:

• A ‘hook’ such as a story or a statistic that shows interest in the problem
• Problem and solution statement
• Who will buy your product or service
• How you will make money
• Overall good presentation & enthusiasm

Participants can pitch an idea, current business or any type of business. “Business” includes freelancers, artists, musicians, tradespeople, sole-proprietorships, small businesses, corporations--any type of business!

 

In fairness to all participants, any videos or presentations that are over the 5-minute cut-off will be disqualified from the competition.

HOW CAN I USE THE FUNDING?

Some examples include:

• Application fees for larger competitions
• Website fees/web development
• Company registration fees
• Equipment
• Prototyping

 

HOW CAN I MAKE A PITCH VIDEO?

There are multiple ways of making a video pitch. You can use Zoom, your phone or other video creation resources. We recommend using a private Zoom meeting to record yourself and/or your slides. Here's a YouTube video to learn how to record your virtual pitch with Zoom.

 

Students can share their face on the video or they can use slides as they are presenting. The video can be as simple or as creative as you want.

 

Videos can be uploaded as an .mp4 to Box or to YouTube. If you are using YouTube, make sure to set the video to public for the judges to see.

 

Send the link to your video to [email protected].

 

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM A FINALIST?

The Entrepreneurship Institute will be sending emails to all the participants announcing the awardees. You can also refer to our Facebook page.

 

WHO CAN I TALK TO FOR FEEDBACK BEFORE MY PITCH?

Anyone who plans to participate can request to meet with an advisor at the Entrepreneurship Institute.

Sign up for a 30-minute meeting

Judging Criteria

The categories for evaluation are:

• Industry/Market: Status of industry, growth potential, scalability. Size of market in volume of people or yearly revenue. Saturation of competition in the marketplace.
• Originality of Idea: Innovation, creativity, and unique value proposition.
• Use of Funds: What will the money be used for and does it fit their upcoming goals?
• Meets Funding Criteria: How does this business support women of color and/or their community?

View the rubric: https://uvu.box.com/s/agllhxheyrjhg1r7t435oej5sw7pqx9z

Apply Now