FastPitch Competition

2017 FastPitch Competition

Who: Passionate entrepreneurs in all phases of business, including startup, pre-startup or idea stage. High school seniors and college-age students welcome

When: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 | 3:30 p.m. Initial Presentations | 6 p.m. Final Presentations | Open to the Public, 5 PM

Presentation Training-STRONGLY suggested | Tuesday, September 26 and Thursday,
September 28, 2017 | 5:30 – 8 PM

Deadline for FastPitch participants to submit their business pitches in writing for pre-qualification is Thursday, September 21; accepted participants will be notified no later than Monday, September 25.

Where: NIU-Rockford, 8500 East State Street, Rockford, IL

Why: To win cash prizes, feedback, and exposure! With a top prize of $5,000 at stake, it will be well worth three minutes of your time! In addition to our traditional first, second, third place prizes, and the student prize, there will also be a Dale Falconer “Spirit of Entrepreneurship” prize totaling $1,000 and CleanTech prize totaling $500.

CleanTech is defined as: Companies that seek to increase performance, productivity, and efficiency by minimizing negative effects on the environment.

FastPitch Competition flyer

FastPitch Competition Sponsors

*2017_FastPitch Competition_RegistrationForm | *May need to choose “Edit View” in Word

Presentation Training-STRONGLY suggested | Tuesday, September 26 and Thursday,
September 28 | 5:30 – 8 PM

The FastPitch Competition is an annual event that draws participants from throughout the region. Starting in 2006, this competition has attracted entrepreneurs in all phases of business from pre-startup, just an idea on a napkin to companies that have been in business or plan to expand with a new service or product. The idea is to answer six key questions (see below) in three minutes or less—your elevator speech—to a select group of judges who are entrepreneurs themselves or that work with entrepreneurs on a regular basis. In business, “three strikes” is generous. If you can’t pitch your product, service or concept in three minutes—you’re outta there!

The FastPitch Competition is your chance to prove the potential of your business idea…meet people who can help you succeed…maybe even win a cash prize! This is no field of dreams: traditionally the top prize that’s awarded is $5,000. All competitors will receive constructive feedback, a fun experience and valuable exposure to investors, business leaders, potential mentors, and media.

Submit your pitch in writing (1,000 words or less) for pre-qualification to Sherry Pritz; verbal presentations only—no PowerPoints. Questions? Call 815.753.2192.