Launch at MCC

The IDEA Center presents the Launch at MCC Pitch Contest – April 25th

Perfect for students who: 

  • Are looking for next steps for a great idea! 
  • Want to earn extra income for their craft, art, or talent and have a “side-hustle”
  • Are graduating with a career degree or certificate and want to start a business with that knowledge 
  • Have a great idea but don’t have funds to get it started 
  • Have already started a business and are looking to learn how to grow
  • Want to launch a venture in the next year

All MCC students and majors are encouraged to participate.
Real prizes to help you launch and chase after your dreams! 

Prizes

  • Grand Prize –
    Cummings Scholarship
    PLUS $4,000 in seed funding to advance your idea!
    *Scholarship must be used in Fall 2023, you will have to sign up for classes by May 24th and confirm with Professor Hargis. If the scholarship is not used, it will advance to the next winner on May 25th.*
  • Runner Up – $3,000 in seed funding 
  • 2nd Runner Up – $2,000 in seed funding 
  • 3rd Runner Up – $1,000 in seed funding 
  • Honorable Mentions – $500 in seed Funding  
  • Honorable Mentions – $500 in seed Funding 

This pitch replaces our DifferenceMaker@MCC Pitch Competition. 

Pitch Contest: 
Tuesday, April 25th 
1 pm until 4 pm 
On Lowell campus and via Zoom
*You must be signed up to participate* 

Sign Up:
By Tuesday, April 18th at 2 pm
HERE

How to participate! 

  1. Sign up by Tuesday, April 18th at 2 pm
    HERE 
  2. Get your pitch together, use the resources below.
  3. Please share your time preference by selecting all that apply. We will try to accommodate but this may not be possible. Thank you for your understanding. 
  4. Look for a confirmation email with a time slot by Friday, April 21st.
    1. If you don’t get an email, please reach out to hargiss@middlesex.mass.edu  directly.
  5. Practice your pitch! 
  6. Submit your slides BEFORE Tuesday, April 25th at noon HERE. 
  7. Arrive during your timeframe provided in the confirmation email 
  8. Pitch! 

Launch at MCC – Pitch your idea verbally and use a slide deck to complement what you are saying!

  • Pitch should be 5 minutes max.
  • Use this slide deck to create your pitch. You can create your own copy or download your own (head to File, then select the options; log in if you want to use Google Docs).
  • This slide deck will ensure you are saying the info the judges will want to know.
  • Make it look professional and your own.
  • Double check for spelling and accuracy.
  • Looking for an example?
    Example 1
    Example 2

What to expect at the pitch: 

  • You will be assigned a time slot after applying. Please try to stick to your time slot. You will be able to pitch in person or via zoom. Please follow directions in your confirmation email. Look for a confirmation email with a time slot by Friday, April 21st.
  • You will be given 5 minutes to make your pitch about your idea. It can be a business idea, an innovation, a nonprofit, or a DifferenceMaker@MCC idea.
    • Please use the slide deck to help make sure you answer the basics about your idea. 
    • Be sure to practice because after 5 minutes, you will be asked to stop. 
  • There will be a panel of judges from the community who will evaluate your idea based on its innovation, market opportunity, and impact on the community. 
  • If you place in a prize category, you will not only win great prizes, but have an opportunity to advance your idea. 

How the IDEA Center at MCC can support you:  

  • Academic Goal Mapping, we can help you figure out what entrepreneurship and/or business classes will help you advance your idea 
  • We’ll introduction you to community resources such as Community Teamwork’s Entrepreneurship Center, mentoring with SCORE, and other funding sources as needed 
  • What’s Next Workshop on May 9th to help you figure out what to do next with your idea!

If you win!   

  • Attend a What’s Next Workshop on May 9th to fill out important paperwork to access seed funding, including a Use of Funds. 
  • You will agree to accept the seed funding under the condition that you will only use the funds to advance your idea and will keep in touch with the Idea Center as milestones are met. 
  • You will agree to accept the seed funding under the condition that you submit a Use of Funds document with quotes. 

#LaunchAtMCC

HAVE A QUESTION?
Hargiss@middlesex.mass.edu

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