Collegiate Pitch

Compete for Funds to Pursue Your Dreams

Kentucky wants your business to succeed in the Bluegrass. We’re here to help get you started with the commonwealth’s largest intercollegiate pitch competition. Make your case for the money and experience a real-world entrepreneurial event.

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Funding

Your dreams require dollars to become reality. This opportunity provides access to capital for your enterprise.

Feedback

Receive critically important input on your idea from experienced business and community leaders to help improve your plan.

Connections

Network with other collegiate entrepreneurs, instructors, and established professionals. Grow your personal entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Important Dates

December 4, 2023

Intent to Compete Due

February 2, 2024

Business Models Due

February 12, 2024

Selected Teams Announced

February 26, 2024

Pitch Deck & 90-Second Highlight Video Due

March 2, 2024

Pitch Event in Louisville, Kentucky 

How It Works

Collegiate Pitch has two categories: The Exploratory Track and the Developed Track. 

The Exploratory Track is for early-stage business ideas. The Developed Track is for businesses closer to being launched or already operating. Monetary prizes are awarded in both tracks. To be eligible for the prize money, businesses must be based in Kentucky as they grow over the next few years. 

Take the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey:

1

Connect with Your Faculty Advisor

Participating colleges must have a designated faculty advisor. To enter the competition, student applications must be approved by their faculty advisor.

2

Apply

The application process includes notifying us of your intent to compete and submitting a business model.

3

Make Your Pitch

Teams selected to compete are required to submit a 90-second Pitch Video and make their pitch in person during the event.

4

Submit Expenses for Funding

Winning teams are reimbursed for their approved expenses.

2023 Winners

Developed Track

1st Place

$15,000

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University of Kentucky

Midwest Mulberry

Wholesome, novel, and sustainable fruit flavors are in high demand. With no other supplier based in the U.S., Midwest Mulberry’s berries are poised to become America’s next great superfood. We’ll provide the first mulberry supply and processing solution in Kentucky, allowing food-based businesses to incorporate sustainable, under-utilized, healthful, and delicious mulberries into their products.

2nd Place

$7,000

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Sullivan University

Aunties Soulfood and Sweets

Partnering with doctors to improve health conditions, Aunties provides affordable, healthful soul food and sweets in restaurants, to-go meals, deliveries, and catered events. Leftover food is given to houseless people. Aunties offers baking classes to teach youth and parents this important life skill, and mentors youth to grow with the company.

3rd Place

$5,000

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Northern Kentucky University

Muscara Software Solutions

Muscara Software Solutions is a software development company that creates innovative solutions for the education industry. Our flagship product, Hall Monitor, is a cloud-based hallway management software designed to help school administrators track student activity, improve safety, and enhance overall school management.

Exploratory Track

1st Place

$5,000

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Midway University

Helix Headgear

Helix Headgear provides innovative wrestling headgear that delivers comfort and a quick custom fit with the simple twist of a knob instead of time-consuming and frustrating individual strap adjustments. Our “Fit with a Twist” signature tightening mechanism is a much-needed update to traditional wrestling headgear, allowing wrestlers to safely focus on performance.

2nd Place

$3,500

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Northern Kentucky University

Girly Pumps

Girly Pumps is a safe space for women and other feminine individuals to work on their fitness goals and meet like-minded people. Offering gyms dedicated to women will encourage more women and feminine people to work outside their comfort zone and start their fitness journey. Girly Pumps empowers women to devote time to themselves and their health in a community designed for them.

3rd Place

$1,500

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Sullivan University

Honestly Me, All-Natural Skin Care

Honestly Me develops and offers wellness and skin care products that are healthy, natural, effective, and aimed at enhancing holistic health. We help our customers live healthier lives overall by setting a good example and providing positive information. Many people struggle with skin issues or have very sensitive skin. Our products address these issues and boost confidence along the way.

We’re so grateful for our supporters who make it possible for GSE’s programs to be FREE for students

Apply Now for Collegiate Pitch

There is no charge to submit your business idea. Take a chance to win funding, and gain vital real-world business experience along the way. Kentucky is rooting for you!