Budding entrepreneurs present business concepts at College of DuPage's 'Big IDea' virtual pitch contest Nov. 18

College of DuPage students, recent alumni and local district high school students will compete for a top prize of $4,500 during COD's fourth annual "Big IDea" Pitch Contest from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Free and open to the public, the virtual event will be livestreamed on College of DuPage's YouTube channel and Innovation DuPage's Facebook page.

Eight finalists representing a broad range of industries will make business presentations to a panel of experts. In addition to the top prize, the competition will include a second-place prize of $3,500 and a third-place prize of $2,500. Winners also will receive a six-month Innovation DuPage membership.

The competition is hosted by The E2 Emerging Entrepreneurs Mentorship program in partnership with Innovation DuPage, the College's Business and Applied Technology and Continuing Education divisions, and the COD Foundation.

Learn more about the Big Idea Pitch Contest at www.cod.edu.

The E2 Emerging Entrepreneurs Mentorship program at College of DuPage is for students with an entrepreneurial spirit who recognize an emerging demand and have the determination to pursue it. Students who complete the program will have a business plan, recording of their professional business pitch and valuable tools gained from workshops and new business contacts.

Innovation DuPage is a non-profit organization designed to unite startup founders and small business owners with people, resources and programs that help them grow. Members collaborate across enterprise, academic, economic development and research partners.