ENTREPRENEURSHIP Pitch competition

Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition recognizes members who can effectively present a compelling case for a new product, service, or business venture. Through a live presentation, members showcase their innovation, business planning, and persuasive communication skills in a pitch format.

Event Overview

Division: Collegiate
Event Type: Team of 1, 2 or 3 members
Event Category: Presentation
Event Elements: Presentation (Pitch)
Presentation Time: 3-minute set-up, 10-minute presentation time, 5-minute question & answer time

Career Cluster Framework Connection: Management & Entrepreneurship
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism

STATE

Items Provided by Competitors: Technology and presentation items for preliminary and final round presentation, photo ID, conference provided nametag, attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code.
Items Provided by FBLA: Table for preliminary round and final round presentation

REGULATIONS

State: Each chapter may enter one (1) individual or team composed of two or three (2, 3, or 4) active local members. Participants must be on record in the FBLA national office as having paid dues by February 1 of the current school year.

When it has been determined that an individual or team will represent the charter at state competition, the appropriate forms must be received by the date specified in the SLC registration packet.

Eligibility

• FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on February 1 of the current program year.

• Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee to participate in competitive events.

• Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel block to compete.

• Each chapter may submit one individual or team in this event.

• On the state level, each member can compete in up to three different events in the following combinations: three objective tests OR two objective tests and one performance OR two objective tests and one production or one objective test and two production OR one objective test, one performance, and one production. Students may enter the Christopher Heider, Rob Kelleher, Who’s Who event, and one Chapter event in addition to their above chosen events.

• Only competitors are allowed to plan, research, prepare, and set up their presentations.

• Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.

• Picture identification (physical or digital: driver’s license, passport, state-issued identification, or school-issued identification) matching the conference nametag is required when checking in for competitive events.

• If competitors are late for their assigned presentation time, they will be allowed to compete if the judges allow it.

• Some competitive events start prior to the Opening Session of SLC. The schedules for competitive events are displayed in the local time of the SLC location. Competitive event schedules cannot be changed.

• Participants must adhere to the dress code established by the Florida FBLA Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

Recognition

·         The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 4.

Event Administration

·         This event has a preliminary and final presentation round. If there are less than 15 competitors/teams registered, the presentation component will proceed directly to the final presentation round.

Preliminary Presentation Information

o   Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes

o   Presentation Time: 10 minutes (one-minute warning)

o   Question & Answer Time: 5 minutes

o   Important: Time allocations are exclusive. The presentation must begin immediately after the 3-minute set-up time concludes. Time may not be shifted between segments. Competitors will not interact with judges during the set-up period.

o   The presentation is judged at the SLC. The presentation is not open to audience members.

o   Competitors/teams are randomly assigned to sections.

o   Technology Guidelines

· Internet Access: Not Provided

· Presentations must be delivered using one or two personal devices (laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or monitor approximately laptop-sized).

· If using two devices, one must face the judges and the other must face the presenters.

· Projectors and projector screens are not permitted, and competitors may not bring their own.

· Wireless slide advancers (e.g., presentation clickers or mice) are allowed.

· External speakers are not allowed; audio must come directly from the presenting device(s).

· Electricity will not be available.

o   Non-Technology Items

· Visual aids, samples, notes, and other physical materials related to the project may be used.

· Items may be placed on the provided table or on the judges table, if space allows.

· No items may be left with the judges following the presentation.

o   Restricted Items

· Animals, except for authorized service animals.

· Food, which may be used for display only and may not be consumed by judges.

· Links and QR codes, which may be shown but may not be scanned or clicked by judges at any time.

o   Research

· Information must be supported by credible, well-documented sources.

· Any use of copyrighted material, images, logos, or trademarks must be properly documented.

o   Team Expectations

· In team presentations, all members must actively participate in the delivery of the presentation.

o   Event Specific Information: Competitors should incorporate the following aspects in response to the pitch

· Problem Identification & Market Opportunity: Clearly explain the problem being solved and who is affected. Show understanding of the target market and validate the opportunity.

· Business Concept & Innovation: Present a unique, feasible business idea with clear differentiation from existing solutions.

· Value Proposition & Customer Benefit: Articulate the benefits to customers and explain why people would choose this product/service over alternatives.

· Business Model: Describe how the business will generate revenue, including pricing, sales, and distribution strategies.

· Feasibility & Financial Thinking: Address startup needs, basic cost projections, potential profitability, and financial sustainability.

· Marketing & Growth Strategy: Outline how the business will reach customers and grow (e.g., social media, partnerships, promotions).

Final Presentation

o   Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o   Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o   Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o   Internet Access: Not provided

The final presentation round will follow the same guidelines as the preliminary round.

Scoring

·         The preliminary presentation score will determine the finalists.

·         The final presentation score will determine the winners.

·         Judges must break ties.

·         The decision of the judges is considered final. All announced results are final upon the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Recording of Presentations

·         No unauthorized audio or video recording devices will be allowed in any competitive event.

·         Competitors in the events should be aware FBLA reserves the right to record any presentation for use in study or training materials.

Penalty Points

·         Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.

National

Be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/collegiate/competitive-events/