JOHNSON CITY – A “Shark Tank” style entrepreneurship competition offers East Tennessee State University students and faculty the unique opportunity to win seed money for their innovative ideas.
The iBUCS Student Venture Pitch Competition, hosted by the College of Business and Technology, allows participants who enter the contest to develop a business plan and pitch that
idea to a distinguished panel of judges.
The iBUCS pitch competition empowers participants with a passion for start-ups to
develop their idea into a pitch deck, or they can do so as part of a team. Up to $6,000
in cash awards is up for grabs, and mentors will be assigned to students to help develop
the pitch deck.
Students participating in the competition will have the opportunity to present their
ideas to local entrepreneurs and business leaders. This year’s judging panel consists
of Tony Lettich, managing director, Angel Round Table, Angel Investment; Chris Sloan,
managing director and attorney at Baker Donelson; David Nelson, serial entrepreneur,
executive director FoundersForge and ETSU faculty member; Logan Craft, crypto/software
start-up consultant; and Aaron Sims, managing director, Sims Venture Capital.
“Students are able to enhance their presentation, writing and critical thinking skills
that are so important for career success. And who knows? Their great ideas could one
day become successful businesses,” said Bill McTier, faculty member of Entrepreneurship
at ETSU.
Participants should sign up now and begin developing their pitch deck in advance of
the competition that will be held Friday, March 31, at 9 a.m. in The James and Nellie
Brinkley Center. Registration is already underway at etsu.edu/ibucs/, and the deadline to complete an application is March 15.