Aspiring entrepreneurs to present business ideas at COD's Pitch Contest

The College of DuPage and local district high school students will have the opportunity to make business presentations to a panel of experts and compete for a top prize of $2,000 during COD's second Pitch Contest from to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Online applications are due by Friday, Oct. 12, and participants who are selected to advance will be notified via email by Friday, Oct. 19.

Those who advance will meet with the screening panel and give a practice pitch between Monday, Oct. 22, and Friday, Nov. 2.

Eight finalists will then be selected to pitch their business in the final round.

The contest will feature prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and a $500 scholarship for the top three contestants, respectively. Participants will have the opportunity to receive insightful advice, explore resources and network with fellow entrepreneurs.

The competition is sponsored by COD's Innovation DuPage, E2 Emerging Entrepreneurs program and Entrepreneurship Club.

Peter James, business professor and Entrepreneurship Club Advisor, said the contest will present participants with a challenge that will have long-term benefits.

"The opportunity that presents itself with this pitch contest is not just financial," James said. "It challenges participants to stretch themselves outside of their comfort zone and seize this moment in order to move one step closer to their dreams. This is the true definition of entrepreneurship."

The contest will be held in the Student Resource Center, Room 2000, on the college's Glen Ellyn campus.

Learn more about the College of DuPage Pitch Contest at www.cod.edu and contact pitchcontest@cod.edu with any questions.