The Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship (TICFE) will host its annual Pitch Your Idea Competition on Thursday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m.
The event, sponsored by Appalachian alumnus and author of The Hockey Stick Principles Bobby Martin and the Walker College of Business, will offer an opportunity to showcase the innovative ideas of Appalachian students from across campus.
Competitors will pitch their ideas and receive feedback from a panel of regional entrepreneur judges to earn a share of the $2,500 prize money. First prize will earn $1,000.
"We hope that our students will make connections and learn from the experience, and that attendees will be inspired," said TICFE Director Erich Schlenker. "There is also potential for regional entrepreneurs to become further engaged in the center and serve as mentors and resources to Appalachian student entrepreneurs."
The event is open to students, faculty and staff, and the community. There is no fee to attend, and registration is not required.
Bobby Martin graduated from the Walker College in 1992 with majors in Economics and Finance and Banking. He co-founded First Research, which synthesizes data into information that a salesperson can use to better understand a prospect’s or client’s business issues, in 1998. Martin is also president and co-founder of Vertical IQ, a leading provider of sales research insight for banks. The Hockey Stick Principles is a research project to figure out how good ideas become successful firms.
Do you have a big idea that could turn into an exciting new business? Are you interested in winning $1000? Applications to pitch your idea are due Tuesday, March 1 and ten finalists will be selected to present to a panel of judges on competition day. To apply, send a 200-word summary of your idea to schlenkere@appstate.edu explaining the problem you are solving and how your solution is unique.
For more information on the competition, visit the Transportation Insight Center's website.
2016 Pitch Your Idea Competition to be held March 24
2016 Pitch Your Idea Competition to be held March 24