Frankfort, KY – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is excited to announce the 91´«Ã½ Student Pitch Competition, giving undergraduate and graduate students from all majors the opportunity to showcase their creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

The competition will take place on December 4, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the 91´«Ã½ Student Center Ballroom. Students will present innovative ideas in two phases:

Competition Structure
Phase 1 – Written Business Concept (Due December 1, 2025)
Participants must submit a 4-page (12-point font, double-spaced) business concept document as a PDF, and if working with a Faculty Mentor, the Mentor’s name must be included on the first page of the submission. Students are strongly encouraged to work with a Faculty Mentor while developing their proposal.

The business concept document must include:

  • Executive Summary – Concise overview of the business concept.
  • Problem Statement – Clear identification of the need or gap being addressed.
  • Proposed Solution and Market Opportunity – Description of the product/service and target audience.
  • Financial Table – A 3-year cash flow statement showing the path to profitability and growth.
  • Exit Plan – Long-term outlook and strategy for scaling, acquisition, or other exit options.

Phase 2 – Oral Pitch Presentation (December 4, 2025)
Finalists will be invited to deliver a 5-minute oral presentation of their business pitch, followed by 10–15 minutes of Q&A from a panel of external judges.

Awards

  • 1st Place: $2,000
  • 2nd Place: $1,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,000

The 2025 judging panel brings together a range of experience and perspectives, including:

  • A well-known local realtor, retired 91´«Ã½ staff member, and embedded community leader
  • A local business owner in hospitality and restaurant management
  • A 91´«Ã½ alum who is a social media content creator and successful sales professional
  • A representative from regional entrepreneurship hub Awesome Inc., which generously supports 91´«Ã½ student entrepreneurship programs

These judges will offer invaluable feedback to help participants refine their ideas and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.

Eligibility

  • Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at 91´«Ã½
  • Each student or team may submit only one proposal
  • Online students are welcome and encouraged to participate

The competition is co-sponsored by the 91´«Ã½ School of Business, 91´«Ã½ Center for Economic Development and Financial Literacy, Awesome Inc, and the 91´«Ã½ Innovators Inc Entrepreneurship Club.

Submission and Contact
Written business concepts and questions should be directed to:

Dr. Gary R. Stratton
Interim Chair, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance
School of Business
Email: gary.stratton@kysu.edu