1. The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 2010 Elevator Pitch Competition Informational Meeting Informational Meeting

2. Elevator Pitch Competition Registration Due: October 14 th October 14 thCompetition: October 28 th October 28 th

3. What is an “Elevator” Pitch? “Elevator” Pitch?Elevator

4. Objectives:  Your chance to showcase your talents.  An opportunity to present your Commercial or Social Enterprise idea in a positive atmosphere.  Receive cash awards for your efforts.

5. Two Categories:  Commercial Enterprise  Social Enterprise

6. Register online at online at www.gccentrepreneurship.com by October 14 th.

7. Registration Form

8. Submission Statement

9. General Information Information

10.  All students must be in good academic (QPA of 2.0) and social standing with GCC and the community.  All “pitches” must be appropriate to the vision and mission of GCC and The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.  The competition is “free” to enter!

11.  Open to students of all majors.  Teams – all members must be present, but only one student will “pitch” the speech.  Only one student from a team should complete the official “registration form” but each team member’s name should be listed.  Great testing ground for students planning to enter the Business Plan Competition.

12. Pitch Guidelines

13.  No samples, materials, or prototypes!  No audio-visual equipment permitted. No Power Point!  For team competitors, the designated presenter is chosen by the team members.  The clock starts with an introduction and ends with a hard stop at two (2) minutes.  Judges have two (2) minutes of Q & A.  Two (2) minutes to change the stage.

14. Five Key Questions  What is your product or service?  Who is your market?  What is your revenue model? More simply, how do you plan to make money?  Who is your competition?  What is your competitive advantage?

15. The Introduction  Keep it simple!  What is the name of your company?  Who are you? State your name and the name of your business.  What is your role at the company?

16. The Description  Your Goal: The investor understands your product!  Describe benefits; not features.  Why will customers buy your product or service?  Why is your product or service unique?

17. The Hook  The “Hook” is a phrase or word that strikes a chord with your listener.  Grab the investors’ attention: make them want to know more!  What makes your company special?

18. The Close  Keep it simple.  What stage of development are you in?  How much capital are you seeking?

19. Delivery Matters!  Show your passion!  Smile & make eye contact!  Use tone, volume & pace for emphasis.  Dress code: Business casual.

20. Common Mistakes  Pitch is too long….practice!  Too technical and/or use of jargon.  No clear purpose or direction.  Missing key information.  Boring and/or dispassionate.

21. Judges & Scoring  The judging panel will consist of entrepreneurs and other business professionals.  The judges will assess the quality and delivery of the pitch.  They will also assess your ability to reply to questions.  All decisions of the judging panel are final.

22. Schedule of Presentations  Sign-up for presentation times begins at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21 in Mrs. Stillwaggon’s office (HAL 318).  Sign-up will continue on Friday, Oct. 22 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. If you do not sign up yourself, a time slot will be assigned for you.

23. Recognition of Winners The winners will be announced on Facebook that evening.

24. Questions?