大象传媒

大象传媒 Pitch Challenge

November 12th, 2025, 5-7 p.m.

The 大象传媒 Pitch Challenge is an annual event highlighting the innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. With the assistance of the team at the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI), students will develop their concepts and learn how to share it with the world.

Individuals and teams will present ideas for unique innovations, businesses, and nonprofit organizations before a group of experienced innovators for valuable feedback, connections, and of course cash prizes up to $2000 to help take their concept to the next level!

Dates

  • Application Deadline: November 2nd, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
  • Selections for Pitches Announced: Wednesday, November 5th, 2025

Location

  • Cottrell Center Ballroom, Dahlonega campus

For more information, contact the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Event Information

  • Current 大象传媒 degree-seeking students
  • Participants may be an individual or a team of no more than five members
  • Teams can enter only one idea in the competition
  • All team members must meet these eligibility requirements

Pitch Requirements

  • Pitch Duration: Each pitch should be between 5-7 minutes, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with the judges.
  • Pitch Content Should Include:
    • The problem your business addresses
    • Your solution and business model
    • Market opportunity and impact on the community
    • How you will use the prize funds
  • Visual Aids: Applicants are encouraged to use PowerPoint slides, demos, or other visual aids to enhance their pitch.

Prizes

  • First Place - $2,000
  • Second Place - $1,000

Additional Benefits:

  • Pitch/Startup Training
  • Idea/Product Feedback
  • Professional Connections
  • Mentoring
Winners will be announced at the event.

  • Innovation: Is the business idea creative or innovative? Does it address a significant need in the market?
  • Feasibility & Scalability: Can the business model be realistically implemented, and is there potential for growth?
  • Use of Funds: Is there a clear plan for how the prize money will be used to grow or launch the business?
  • Presentation: Is the pitch clear, engaging, and well-structured? Does the entrepreneur effectively communicate the potential of the business?

Kristi O’Connor – Administrator, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Dr. Mariangela Vecchiarini-Piazza – Associate Professor, The Mike Cottrell College of Business