In AACC’s version of the ABC Network’s “Shark Tank,” credit and noncredit students who have successfully completed an AACC course in the last year compete for money to support their business ventures. Students submit comprehensive business plans and finalists pitch their idea to a panel of judges who evaluate and determine awards.
In spring 2022, six businesses received seed funds ranging from $3,000 to $11,000 for a total of $50,000. One lucky business won an additional $500 for the Fan-favorite award, selected by the viewing audience. Four companies received a one-year membership in the Hatchery, AACC's student business incubator, and four new $12,000 scholarships were awarded.
Feb. 6 – Zoom Business Pitch Competition Kick-off Meeting. Register now.
Feb. 7 – Business Pitch Competition kickoff meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., CRSC 340
March 9 – Résumé workshop 2-3 p.m.
March 15-18 – Business Plan coaching; email esi@aacc.edu to request a coach
March 20-26 – Spring Break
March 27-31 – Business Plan coaching; email esi@aacc.edu to request a coach
April 1 – Business Pitch Competition application due by noon online
April 11 – The Art of the Pitch workshop, 3:30-5 p.m., CRSC 340
April 13 – Business Pitch Competition finalists announced at noon online
April 25 – Business Pitch Competition live pitch and awards ceremony, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Register online.
The Business Pitch Competition is open to all students enrolled at AACC or who completed a credit or noncredit class between July 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023. Your team can be a single person or many people, but at least 50% of the team must be AACC students. Learn more by reviewing the 2023 Official Rules, Requirements and Judging Criteria. Register online by April 1, 2023.
Yes. The Business Pitch Competition is open to all AACC students who took classes this academic year (between July 1, 2020, and April 8, 2021). This includes students who took classes in the summer, fall or winter, or who are enrolled in credit or noncredit courses.
Yes. It is OK to have just one person, although many startups thrive with a team of founders.
No. At least 50 percent of the team, preferably more, must be AACC students who meet the enrollment requirements outlined in the first question’s response.
Yes. You also can meet new mentors during the required coaching sessions.
Yes. You must meet with a business coach prior to submitting to the competition. We have been doing this for more than 10 years and one thing we have learned is coaching has a significant impact on student success. You may find this requirement inconvenient now, but you will thank us later.
The BPC is a competition for student-driven companies. We have a strict policy guiding outside companies recruiting students to join their team in order to compete.
Students must have an ownership stake in the business or the potential for equity and employment. Only student team members are eligible to earn prize money. No payments will be made to nonstudents.
Students are welcome and encouraged to participate as long as they meet the enrollment requirements outlined in the response to the first question. In addition, the pitch must be for a business in the startup or launch phase and be in operation less than three years.
Yes. You are allowed to change your company name during the competition. We recommend that you reference the name change in your documents such as in the one-page executive summary or business plan.
Most teams consist of three to five people, but you can have as many people on your team as you like. There is no official limit. However, only two members of the team who are AACC students can pitch to the judges.
We don’t release the names of the judges prior to the pitch presentations. You will meet them on Pitch day.
Yes. Students, faculty and staff at AACC are invited to attend. Participants also may choose to invite friends and family to attend. There is no fee to attend.
Judges, coaches and audience members do not sign nondisclosure agreements. This is common practice in the entrepreneurial world, especially when you are pitching your idea to investors. You should figure out a way to talk about your business, but not give away the confidential information that could be patented, trademarked or that is simply your secret sauce.
The 2022 Business Pitch Competition took place on April 26. Seed funds totaling $50,000 were awarded to the winners listed below.
unmuted Biergarten
Andrew Parr won $11,500.
Enroute Personal Training
Eric Collyer won $10,000.
Helen's Blend
Will Fenn won $10,000
Kulhwhip Speed Ropes
Patti Kuhlman won $10,000.
Roen Dice
Stephanie Steeley won $6,000.
United Construction Network
Stephen Buckingham won $3,000.