Pitch Dingman: Overview

Making Your Passion Work for You

"It can be intimidating trying to figure out how to bring an idea to reality. The Dingman Center was extremely helpful throughout this process." 

- UMD Undergrad and Pitch Participant, Erik Pedley

Have a great idea for a business? Want to find out what the experts think of it? The first three Fridays of the month between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the Dingman Center team makes itself available to hear and evaluate new business ideas. Students give a 5- to 8-minute “pitch” or a persuasive overview of their idea to successful entrepreneurs who review and assess the idea using The Dingman Process. On the last Friday of the month students can compete for $2,500 in the Pitch Dingman Competition. This is where your polished pitch will shine!

This is a risk-free opportunity to develop your business idea and get important feedback on the viability of your business concept. Even better, the Dingman Center shows students with strong proposals how to expand and refine their idea into a potential business. Pitch Dingman is an excellent introduction to the wide networking and support services the Dingman Center delivers to the UMD community.

Additionally, students demonstrating the highest level of commitment and drive to start their own business may apply for incubation support from the Dingman Center. Students chosen to incubate their start-up at the Dingman Center are eligible to receive funding from the Smith E-Fund, which is a $175,000 evergreen fund.