Pima Community College Hosts Annual Business Pitch Competition as Part of National Entrepreneurship Month
In celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month, Pima Community College, led by Professor Dr. Greg Watson, will host its annual Business Pitch Competition on Friday, November 15, 2024. This event, sponsored by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) through its Everyday Entrepreneur Program, underscores the college’s commitment to fostering innovation and preparing students to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. Taking place at the Pima Community College Downtown Campus, the competition will bring together entrepreneurial-minded students to showcase their innovative ideas, competing for $750, $500, and $250 prizes.
National Entrepreneurship Month, officially proclaimed by the White House, is a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship across the country, emphasizing the power of ideas and the drive to transform them into reality. The annual Business Pitch Competition at Pima Community College is an integral part of this month’s activities, leading up to National Entrepreneurship Day on the third Tuesday in November. By creating a platform for students from various disciplines to present their business concepts, the college reinforces its role in building an inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Tucson community and beyond.
The Pitch Competition will feature two rounds: a preliminary video pitch round and a final live pitch deck presentation, allowing participants to present their ideas to an esteemed panel of judges. Each team will be evaluated on creativity, feasibility, and the potential impact of their business model. The event promises to provide a unique, real-world learning experience for all participants, helping them build skills in business planning, presentation, and professional networking. Approximately 5-11 teams are expected to participate, submitting a three-minute YouTube video pitch, an optional pitch deck, and a two-page executive summary detailing their business plans and intended use of potential prize funds.
“Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business; it’s about identifying problems, creating solutions, and taking action. This competition encourages students to think outside the box and demonstrate their creativity and commitment to innovation,” said Dr. Greg Watson, who has been instrumental in driving entrepreneurial education at Pima Community College. “Through events like these, we’re not only nurturing future business leaders but also contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial community that values growth, resilience, and economic empowerment.”
As part of Pima Community College’s efforts to support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Business Pitch Competition exemplifies the college’s commitment to offering practical, hands-on experiences for students, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the Tucson community and beyond. The event is open to all students, reinforcing inclusivity within entrepreneurship and encouraging collaboration across academic disciplines, from business and marketing to technology and the arts.
The Business Pitch Competition promises to be an inspiring highlight of National Entrepreneurship Month, a time when students, faculty, and community members come together to celebrate and support the entrepreneurial journey. Media, podcast journalists, and community partners are invited to cover this event, capturing the vibrant stories of emerging entrepreneurs ready to make their mark.
For additional information on the Business Pitch Competition, visit NACCE’s Everyday Entrepreneur Program, or contact Dr. Greg Watson at gewatson1@pima.edu.