2019 FastPitch Competition

2019 NIU EIGERlab FastPitch Competition

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 – Please save the date!

The name of the game is to provide inspiring answers to the Six Key Questions!

Please complete the Registration Form to be considered for this Year’s 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 9, 2019 | 3:30 p.m. Initial Presentations | 6 p.m. Final Presentations | Open to the Public, 5 PM

Presentation Training-STRONGLY suggested | Tuesday, October 1 and Thursday, October 3, 2019 | 5:30 – 8 PM

Deadline for FastPitch participants to submit their business pitches in writing for pre-qualification is Wednesday, September 25; accepted participants will be notified no later than Friday, September 27.

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 the Dale Falconer “Spirit of Entrepreneurship” and CleanTech prize.

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

2019 NIU EIGERlab FastPitch Flyer

FastPitch Competition Sponsors

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 Tina Leombruni; verbal presentations only—no PowerPoints. Questions? Call 815.965.3522.

We’re “Shark Tank” without the bite!