Business Pitch and Poster Competition

Upcoming Competition
Past Competitions

Audience and presenters in the CAVEA during the pitch competition.

Business Pitch & Poster Competition

The MSU Denver Business Pitch and Poster Competition gives student entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their business ventures, practice pitching in front of a live audience, and connect with mentors, investors, and community leaders. Whether you’re building a startup, developing a new product, or reimagining an existing service, this competition is designed to help you take your next big step.

Spring 2026 Competition: April 30, 2026 | 5:00-8:00pm | CAVEA JSSB 420

Calling all MSU Denver Students & Launch Denver Participants

The Business Pitch & Poster Competition is an opportunity for student entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win funding and mentorship support.

Participants submit a 5-minute pitch video, and selected finalists advance to the live finals event.

Finalists will be paired with a mentor to refine their pitch and develop a professional poster before presenting in person at the evening finals on April 30. Open to MSU Denver students and Launch Denver participants.

Submit your pitch video by Monday, April 13 at 11:59 p.m.

This semester’s prizes:

1st Place – $2,000 + 5 hours of coaching with Aaron LaPedis, the Garage Sale Millionaire!
2nd Place – $1,500 + 3 Hours of coaching with Aaron LaPedis, the Garage Sale Millionaire!
Finalists – $500
Poster Winner – $500

Interested in Competing? Email Adam Melnick for Details

About the Competition

Your Path to the Pitch Stage

Step 1: Apply – Students apply by submitting a short video pitch of their business idea. Step 2: Finalists are invited to present live and poster participants are invited to create a poster about their business. Step 3: Live Pitch Finals and Poster Showcase – Finalists present their business pitches to a panel of judges for feedback, prizes, and potential investment opportunities. Poster Participants share their ideas with peers, faculty, and community members in a poster-style networking session.

More Information

Pitch a Business Competition. Emily Hafner presenting her business pitch.

Your Next Step as an Entrepreneur

Participants gain: Experience pitching and refining their business ideas; Exposure to faculty, staff, investors, and local business leaders; Mentorship from entrepreneurship experts and industry professionals; and Opportunities for funding, connections, and next-step growth.

Ignacio Salas gives his business pitch for the entrepreneurial competition, April 28, 2022. Photo by Sara Hertwig

Open to All MSU Denver Students

All MSU Denver students are welcome to participate, regardless of major or level of study. Previous finalists have included: - Undergraduate students - MBA candidates - Graduates of Launch Denver, our community-based entrepreneurship program

Highlights from Past Competitions

@if(get_post_thumbnail_id($post->ID))

A photo of a student holding a $2,000 check with Adam Melnick

The Fall 2025 Business Pitch & Poster Competition

Nour Itani

November 19, 2025

Presenter opening for the Pitch and Poster Competition.

Spring 2025 MSU Denver Pitch and Poster Competition: A Showcase of Innovation and Impact

David Aiello

July 28, 2025

For additional information, please contact Adam Melnick, J.D., MEM, ACUE, Kemper Family Foundation Endowed Chair

Email Adam Melnick Here

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Management Department

Administration Building 530R
Phone Number: 303.605.7208

Discover more about MSU Denver

Request Information

Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.

Request Information

Academic Programs

200+ undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree customizable paths to choose from.

Study Options

Apply now

Wherever you’re heading, your road begins here. Let’s go.

Be a Changemaker