Pitch Dingman: FAQs

Who can participate?

Pitch Dingman is open to all members of the University of Maryland Community including faculty, staff, students and alumni.

What is the difference between the monthly competitions and the “regular” Friday pitches?

Every month, Pitch Dingman holds a $2,500 competition where entrepreneurs give a five- to eight-minute presentation on their business idea to a panel of judges. The judges then engage in a Q&A and offer feedback on the presentation. The pitches are scored and ranked, with the winner being awarded a $2,500 prize to be used for their business. On non-competition Fridays, entrepreneurs can come to the center between 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. to practice their pitch and receive feedback from the Dingman Center Team that will help them develop their business ideas and prepare for the next monthly competition. Up to $500 will be awarded weekly.

Can I sit in on a Pitch Dingman Session?

Students are encouraged to sit in on the monthly Pitch Dingman Competitions. Audience feedback helps the panel of judges select a winner. The Dingman Center offers Friday work sessions to provide guidance to help entrepreneurs develop an effective pitch. These weekly working sessions are closed to the public.

What can I expect from Pitch Dingman?

The Pitch Dingman program utilizes a give-and-take approach to building relationships with entrepreneurs. In other words, the more effort and progress we see the entrepreneur demonstrate, the more resources such as time, workspace, and capital we are willing to invest. The initial pitch and feedback session will be very concise, following the framework of a first contact venture capital pitch. As the entrepreneur demonstrates initiative in executing their business idea, they will have greater access to Dingman Management, Dingman Scholars and Entrepreneurs-In-Residence through one-on-one meetings and work sessions. This process ensures that Dingman resources are directed to the entrepreneurs who will achieve the greatest returns.

Do I have to wear a suit?

NO! We evaluate on the quality of your idea and presentation, not your fashion sense.

What can I do with the award money?

Prize money is to be used towards the startup of your business.