The Perks of Pitch Dingman

#1 Meet with successful entrepreneurs

#2 Practice presenting your idea

#3 Receive actionable feedback

#4 Build your business

#5 Show progress to compete for start-up funding

Pitch Dingman Informal Sessions

Have an idea for a business? Pitch Dingman informal sessions are held Fridays from 11-1 pm in 2518 Van Munching Hall and open to all UMD students. Entrepreneurs in Residence are available to hear and evaluate new business ideas. Questions? Email PitchDingman@rhsmith.umd.edu. 

Pitch Dingman Competitions

Twice a semester, students can compete for $2,750 in start-up funding at the Pitch Dingman Competition. Everyone is welcome to attend Pitch Dingman Competitions as an audience member and there is no need to register. Interested in competing? Start with an informal Pitch Dingman Session

Preparing Your Presentation

For the Pitch Dingman Competition, your pitch should be a six-minute presentation providing a brief overview of your business idea. It is meant to help you—as an entrepreneur—to practice and hone your ability to verbalize and sell the idea to early stage investors such as friends and family, angel investors and venture capital firms. The key is to share your passion and enthusiasm for your idea!

Topics to include in your pitch are:

  1. What problem are you trying to solve?
  2. How big is your problem? Talk about addressable market size.
  3. What is your solution to the problem? What is the value proposition for the customer?
  4. Who are your competitors and why is your solution better?
  5. How will you make money? What are your revenue stream(s)? Marketing and distribution strategy?
  6. Management team—who? What backgrounds and experiences do they bring?
  7. Use of funds—how will you use the $2,500 prize money should you win the competition?

Detailed Tips and Sample Presentation

Keep in mind that every business is unique and so should be your presentation. Please practice your presentation several times.

2011-2012 Competition Dates

  • October 7, 2011, 11 a.m. to Noon
  • November 17, 2011, 6-7 p.m.
  • February 17, 2012, 11 a.m. to Noon
  • May 4, 2012, 11 a.m. to Noon

Frequently Asked Questions