I did my first pitch at a competition-like event last week and had great feedback. Now, I’m prepped to take the criticism and recommendations I received from the judges, tweak my business model and enter more. Last week’s was a practice one put on by the ladies at #BFF (Black Female Founders) but I’m ready to go full force and enter other competitions.
I’m going to keep a roundup here of various business plan and pitch competitions that are coming down the pike. Here is a list of 20 curated by Grasshopper to start. Please let me know of others in the comment section of this post:
South Summit Startup Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: 5/31/2016
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: Don’t miss this opportunity! We are looking for the 100 most disrupting Startups from any industry from The South of Europe, Mediterranean and Latin America, to prove to the world how bright the South is.
JUDGING CRITERIA: Startups are judged over 5 criteria: viability, scalability, team, investability, and innovation
Eligibility: Seed and growth stage startups
Awards & Prizes: Pitching and investment opportunity
Sponsors: Spain Startup, ie Business School, Camaras, and many more
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: imagga, Plactherm, habitissimo, and many more
The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge
ENTRY DEADLINE: 6/1/2016
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge – which offers a €500,000 first prize – is now in its 10th year and individuals or businesses who provide products or services that can reduce CO2 emissions are eligible to enter.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: http://www.greenchallenge.info/index.php/competition/entry-criteria
Awards & Prizes: €500,000
Sponsors: Postcode Lottery
Year Started: 2007
Previous Winners: bio-bean LTD, Land Life Company, bioMason, and many more
GITEX Technology Week Startup Pitch Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: 6/1/2016
ENTRY FEE: $2,500
DESCRIPTION: GITEX Technology Week is the Middle East’s largest technology event. This year, the Startup movement is coming to GITEX with US$1m cash prizes from 16-20 October for an overall champion and 10 category prizes.
JUDGING CRITERIA: Overall evaluation of team, business plan and business model. What is the scale, impact and execution of the product/service/technology, scale of impact and execution. What is unique, what does it change or disrupt and what is the addressable market
Eligibility: A company that has not been funded for under US$1m and is exhibiting. You must be present to pitch and showcase at GITEX in Dubai. Only 1 entry per company
Awards & Prizes: Up to $1,000,000 in cash prizes
Sponsors: GITEX and many more
Year Started: 2016
Previous Winners: N/A
CodeLaunch Pitch Day
ENTRY DEADLINE: 6/1/2016
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: CodeLaunch is an annual seed accelerator for people and groups with ideas for “Apps” who are seeking seed funding. The CodeLaunch Pitch Day is the culmination of the competition and a showcasing of the best competitors.
JUDGING CRITERIA: We are determining basic viability and whether our technical skillset can accommodate. Evaluating the business acumen and background of the applicant is also part of the process.
Eligibility: If you have an “idea for an app” and nothing more you are qualified to apply.
Awards & Prizes: http://www.codelaunch.com/Benefits/Index
Sponsors: Frisco, Optimus, PWC, and many more
Year Started: 2011
Previous Winners: Clear2Close, RAaAPS, eCharts, and many more
New York StartUP! 2016 Business Plan Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: 6/7/2016
ENTRY FEE: N/A
DESCRIPTION: The New York Public Library in conjunction with its sponsor, Citi Foundation, is proud to announce the 5th Annual New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition for New York-based startup entrepreneurs with cash prizes totaling over $30,000. Entrants gain practical insights about starting and growing a business, while using the comprehensive small business resources at NYPL’s Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL).
JUDGING CRITERIA: The judges will evaluate each Business Plan based on the following: 1) Content of the plan, including the thoroughness and quality of the analysis 2) Effective use of business information and research 3) Clear communication. 4) Effective use and impact of the prize money 5) Probability of successful launch 6) Community Impact and job creation potential 7) Quality and effectiveness of final presentation (in the event the applicant becomes a finalist and is invited to present)
Eligibility: You must live in Manhattan, The Bronx, or Staten Island. Your business must be in Manhattan, The Bronx, or Staten Island. All businesses must have ideas or business models in the start-up phase and have earned less than $10,000.
Awards & Prizes: Cash prizes of up to $15,000
Sponsors: Citi Foundation & New York Public Library
Year Started: 2010
Previous Winners: Harlem Chocolate Factory, Just Jazzy Cakes, Field & Clover, and many more
Axel Springer Plug & Play Accelerator
ENTRY DEADLINE: 7/19/2016
ENTRY FEE: N/A
DESCRIPTION: Launched in 2013, the Axel Springer Plug & Play Accelerator is a Berlin-based accelerator looking for digital entrepreneurs. They provide global opportunities from day one, through their international network in Europe and Silicon Valley.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: N/A
Awards & Prizes: Investment opportunities
Sponsors: Accenture, DZ Bank, Ergo, and many more
Year Started: 2013
Previous Winners: Apparently Different, Book A Street Artist, Careship, and many more
The 2016 Mentor Capital Network Sustainable Business Plan Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: 8/3/2016
ENTRY FEE: No Fee
DESCRIPTION: The Mentor Capital Network supports entrepreneurs who are building for-profit companies that make the world a better place by just existing. Firms that use their social, environmental, and/or cultural mission to strengthen their financial margins.
JUDGING CRITERIA: Judged on the quality of the business plan’s product/service, market, strategy, operations, financials, team, presentation, and social and/or environmental impact, along with overall viability.
Eligibility: You must be starting or growing a for-profit company. You must still be seeking feedback on your business model. You can be pre- or post-revenue. You must have a social, environmental,and/or cultural goal that affects how your company makes money. These kinds of companies go by many names: Multiple-Bottom-Line, Social Enterprise, Common Good Enterprise, etc. The MCN seeks companies where your social values make your company stronger financially. You must be interested in working mentors who can provide meaningful, actionable feedback on a written business plan. There is no fee to apply, but if you are accepted, there is a processing fee of $500, which is due when you submit the first version of your business plan. There are a variety of discounts and scholarships that will be made available.
Awards & Prizes: We have several cohorts and prize categories. Our prizes are cash and professional services that are worth more than $60,000. Finalists pick from the prize pool in order of finish, to better match you to a prize you can use. View the 2014 prizes here. And here is a list of winners and prizes from 2004-2013.
Sponsors: CitySoft, The Tecovas Foundation, Honest Tea, and many more
Year Started: 2004
Previous Winners: 1000ecofarms, 2Armadillos, A.I.R. Lawn Care, and many more
Global Startup Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: 8/12/2016
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: Since 2012, Arch Grants has awarded over $4 million in cash grants to 76 startup businesses that were willing to call St. Louis home. With the help of our program and support services, these companies have gone on to create over 300 jobs, generate nearly $28 million in revenue, and attract over $80 million in follow-on capital. Arch Grants Companies are growing at a fantastic pace.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: Preference will be given to companies that are beyond idea stage; bring with them teams of talented, diverse, and value-additive individuals; and demonstrate that the grant money and support services have a meaningful impact on company growth. We seek to attract entrepreneurs who are already located in St. Louis OR are willing to relocate here. Basing your business in St. Louis is a prerequisite for receiving the grant and all of our current entrepreneurs are investing their time in making the St. Louis startup scene even stronger.
Awards & Prizes: $50,000 equity-free, cash grant plus pro-bono services an networking opportunities
Sponsors: Arch Grants
Year Started: 2012
Previous Winners: Appbase, Applied Particle Technology, Arch Innotek, and many more
Global Entrepreneurship Network Startup Open
ENTRY DEADLINE: 9/14/2016
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: Startup Open is a competition to recognize and reward startups and the entrepreneurs behind them. Held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, Startup Open will recognize the top 50 startups each year and award prizes to help them grow their business.
JUDGING CRITERIA: The GEW 50 and the winners will be selected by a panel of judges who are looking at a range of criteria including growth potential, passion, creativity, level of idea development, and their pitching skills. Each judge’s score is weighed equally.
Eligibility: N/A
Awards & Prizes: Global Entrepreneurship Congress Experience plus mentorship experiences
Sponsors: Dell, istart, Startup Digest, and many more
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: Dysolenator and many more
Slush 100 Pitching Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: 10/15/2016
ENTRY FEE: Varies
DESCRIPTION: In the Slush 100 pitching competition 100 companies will get to pitch on stage on the first day of Slush (Nov 11th). After the first day the twenty best companies will be selected for the semifinals on Wednesday morning. The best of the best (four companies) will continue to the finals held at the main stage on Wednesday afternoon.
JUDGING CRITERIA: The evaluation will be based on your product, market potential, gained traction, competence of your team and investment readiness.
Eligibility: N/A
Awards & Prizes: TBD
Sponsors: Startup Foundation
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: Zendesk, Truecaller, Misfit, and many more
2016 U.Pitch Competition & Showcase
ENTRY DEADLINE: Fall 2016
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: U.Pitch brings together the best students from a cross-section of universities in this ultimate elevator pitch competition.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: Students
Awards & Prizes: Up to $5,000
Sponsors: Future Founders, Capital One, Accenture, and many more
Year Started: 2014
Previous Winners: Seed Slide, Cocavana, HUK TV, and many more
Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: 11/6/2016
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: The goal of the Purdue University Burton D. Morgan Business Plan Competition is to provide an opportunity for Purdue students to learn about entrepreneurship through the development and presentation of a business idea to a panel of judges. Participants in the competition will have an opportunity to define their ideas in commercial terms and to compete for substantial cash prizes that could be used to further the commercialization of their inventions.
JUDGING CRITERIA: https://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/bdmce/competitions/judging.php
Eligibility: All West Lafayette Purdue students are eligible to participate
Awards & Prizes: Up to $30,000 in cash plus in-kind legal and consulting services
Sponsors: Purdue University and The Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: Spero Energy, Guarders, BioMS, and many more
The Pitch 2016
ENTRY DEADLINE: TBD
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: Since starting as a pitching competition back in 2008 we’ve evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting small business programmes, geared up to educate, empower and enable entrepreneurs just like you to take your business to the next level.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: N/A
Awards & Prizes: http://www.thepitch.uk/#why
Sponsors: AVG, Constant Contact, Microsoft, and many more
Year Started: 2008
Previous Winners: propertECO, BioBean, AdvancetoGo, and many more
University Startup World Cup
ENTRY DEADLINE: TBD
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: The University Startup World Cup is organized by Venture Cup, a Danish non-profit organization which has 15 year’s of experience hosting startup competitions for university startups. The vision is to create a network among international students in which they can be inspired, benchmark their ideas and turn academic knowledge into viable high-growth businesses.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: http://universityworldcup.com/venturecup/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/EligibilityRequirements.pdf
Awards & Prizes:
Sponsors:
Year Started: Novo Nordisk, Microsoft, YouNoodle, and many more
Previous Winners: Unknown
1ST50K Startup Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: Rolling
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: 1ST50K is a startup competition for startup business ideas that offers extensive support from a broad business network, pro-bono development services, and up to $50,000 in cash grants to entrepreneurs to establish or locate their businesses in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
JUDGING CRITERIA: As our judges and competition committee review applications, they will consider: the innovation of the product, technology or service; product-market fit; the scalability of the business model; the total impact (including sales, social value, impact on users, partners, etc.); and the qualities of the entrepreneur or entrepreneurial team – their level of talent, diversity, and qualities which are value additive to the company.
Eligibility: 1ST50K is looking for innovative technologies, products, or services, driven by scalable business models with regional, national or international impact. We seek to attract entrepreneurs who are already located in Cape Girardeau OR are willing to relocate here. Basing your business in Cape Girardeau is a prerequisite for receiving a grant. Our network of entrepreneurs, partners and business leaders are investing their time and resources in making the Cape Girardeau startup scene even stronger. 1ST50K Startup Competition is an industry-agnostic competition. Our focus is on supporting businesses that are innovative and scalable, regardless of the industry.
Awards & Prizes: Up to $50,000 in cash grants plus business development services, pro bono services, and access to a broad network of successful entrepreneurs
Sponsors: Codefi, Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, The Bank of Missouri, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce
Year Started: 2015
Previous Winners: Nutlock
Web Summit ALPHA Programme
ENTRY DEADLINE: Rolling
ENTRY FEE: €1,950
DESCRIPTION: Each week we’re selecting early stage startups from around the world to exhibit as part of ALPHA.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: N/A
Awards & Prizes: If you’re selected for ALPHA you get an exhibition stand, 4 tickets, opportunity to access Investor Office Hours, Mentor Hours, Startup University, Startup Workshops, Startup Roundtables and much more for €1,950.
Sponsors: Connected Intelligence Limited
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: N/A
Schoolpreneur.Biz Business Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: N/A
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: Schoolpreneur.Biz is a startup platform for School children, which helps them presented their ideas and businesses to global audience. Schoolpreneur.Biz is promoted by TMA Worldwide LLC, a media & marketing organization with interests in publishing, events, advertising, pr and digital marketing. TMA Worldwide’s vision is based on social enterprise to empower individuals and communities.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: Students from kindergarten through high school
Awards & Prizes: Seed investment
Sponsors: TMA Worldwide
Year Started: 2015
Previous Winners: N/A
SEEC Idea Pitch Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: N/A
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: The SEEC Idea Pitch Competition presents students with a great opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges and a chance to win cash prizes. – See more at: http://www.ut.edu/seectampa/pitch/#sthash.o9pAXKnH.dpuf
JUDGING CRITERIA: http://www.ut.edu/seectampa/pitch/
Eligibility: University of Tampa students
Awards & Prizes: Cash prize of up to $2,500
Sponsors: University of Tampa
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: N/A
Global Startup Battle
ENTRY DEADLINE: Varies
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: GSB was created by the community and serves the community. It’s your chance to stand up and show the world what you’re all about. Rep your city, rep your region, bring home startup glory, and join a legacy of amazing GSB winners.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: http://www.globalstartupbattle.co/tracks
Awards & Prizes: http://www.globalstartupbattle.co/prizes
Sponsors: YouTube, Mr. Coffee, Branch Metrics, and many more
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: Caleche, Smart Case, Tactile Eyesight, and many more
Get In The Ring
ENTRY DEADLINE: Varies
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: The Get in the Ring Foundation is a global non-profit organization that connects startups to opportunities related to capital, talent and expertise.
JUDGING CRITERIA: Based on their pitch we score startups on their team, achievements, business model & market and their financials.
Eligibility: N/A
Awards & Prizes: If you are a high potential startup that can make an impact in your industry, your startups is no older than 8 years, you can pitch fluently in English and you have an innovative and scalable business idea/model, then you’re good to go!
Sponsors: STC, Global Entrepreneurship Week, Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, and many more
Year Started: 2012
Previous Winners: Braille Smartwatch, Templafy, and many more
Seedstars World Startup Competition
ENTRY DEADLINE: Varies
ENTRY FEE: No fee
DESCRIPTION: The Final Event is a weeklong adventure consisting of a bootcamp, international conference and investor forum. It’s an amazing chance to meet with investors, build a global network and grow your business.
JUDGING CRITERIA: N/A
Eligibility: Startups must be no older than 2 years since founding and have received less than $500,000 in funding
Awards & Prizes: http://www.seedstarsworld.com/startup-competition/tracks-and-prizes/
Sponsors: Seedstars, Lastminute.com Group, Inmarsat, and many more
Year Started: Unknown
Previous Winners: N/A
Jay Jay Ghatt is also editor at Techyaya.com, founder of the JayJayGhatt.com and JayJayGhatt.com where she teaches online creators how to navigate digital entrepreneurship and offers Do-It-For-You Blogging Service. She manages her lifestyle sites BellyitchBlog, Jenebaspeaks and JJBraids.com and is the founder of BlackWomenTech.com 200 Black Women in Tech On Twitter. Her biz podcast 10 Minute Podcast is available on iTunes and Player.fm. Follow her on Twitter at @Jenebaspeaks. Buy her templates over at her legal and business templates on Etsy shop!
