With three minutes to pitch their business idea, student entrepreneurs will compete in the 3-2-1 Quick Pitch competition, November 1 and 2. Hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Center for Entrepreneurship, the competition brings Nebraska high school and college entrepreneurs together for the opportunity to compete for cash prizes in the Club Level Suites in Memorial Stadium. The deadline to compete is Friday, October 25.
For the first time in the history of the competition, high school and college students will compete on separate days. Two and four-year collegiate-level participants pitch on Thursday, November 1 from 3 to 8 p.m., while high school competitors do their rounds on Friday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“I am really excited we are splitting the event into two separate events this year at the high school and college levels. This allows us to have extra time to provide information on all of the great entrepreneurship activities at Nebraska and tours for potential students,” said Dr. Sam Nelson, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and assistant professor of practice in management.
Participants separate into respective rooms inside the suites and have three minutes to pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of judges, similar to ABC’s hit television show Shark Tank. Each panel is comprised of entrepreneurs and business professionals from the community. Judged on their creativity, innovation and presentation skills, students receive valuable feedback on their ideas from highly respected professionals. The top three pitches of every room receive a cash prize, given to the winners at an awards ceremony following the competition.
“Quick Pitch gives students the opportunity to present their ideas to a group of business professionals and community leaders. The competition requires them to think on their feet in a very unique and unfamiliar environment,” said Nelson. “As always, I want to say thank you to our community members that always give us their time to provide great learning opportunities for our students.”
Alongside the announcement of the college division winners, the center will also present the Nebraska Entrepreneurship Awards. The Center for Entrepreneurship will recognize honorees from the business community with the following awards: Nebraska Distinguished Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship Advocate, Startup Executive and the New Company Entrepreneur.
The event is sponsored by Hastings HVAC, Nelnet, Resort Lifestyle Communities, Cameron General Contractors and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
To apply, RSVP to watch or learn more about the competition, visit: https://business.unl.edu/quickpitch.