Pitch Competition
Project 412 is hosting a pitch competition called Pitch 412 for entrepreneurs in the Detroit Lakes area! Submit your business plans and a one-minute video for a chance to become one of our 4 finalists. Finalists will pitch their ideas to judges and a live audience in a 12-minute presentation. The winners will share cash prizes up to $5,500.
Join our partners, West Central Small Business Development Center, SBDC and ILT Academy, for a webinar on “Crafting a Lean Business Plan” and “Elements of a Good Pitch.”
LIVE PItch Competition: Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
REGISTRATION OPENS February 3rd, 2025, at 8am • CLOSES at midnight on March 6th, 2025.
Why Enter?
- Get a jump start on your business idea
- Learn to craft a lean business plan and get constructive feedback.
- Learn how to pitch your business
Finalist Benefits
-
Media Exposure
- Pitch coaching & mentorship
- Launch your idea to the community at our pitch event
Prizes
- 1st Place: $4,000*
- 2nd Place: $1,000*
- Audience Choice Award: $500*
- *Your designated team contact will receive a 1099-MISC form for cash prizes.
Eligibility Requirements
- Submissions must be for a new company, new idea, or an existing small business with a new concept or expansion
- Teams consist of one to four members
- Each team must have a designated point of contact that is 18 years or older (*they will receive the 1099-MISC form).
- If you are an existing organization, one team member must be a C-level executive of the organization
- Teams can only enter one idea into the competition
- If the organization exists, it must be within the Detroit Lakes area. If it has not been officially formed, it must be the intent that it will be formed in the Detroit Lakes area.
No Prior Experience Necessary!
Our partners, West Central Small Business Development Center, SBDC and ILT Academy are offering webinars on “Crafting a Lean Business Plan” and “Elements of a Good Pitch.” We’ll also provide additional resources to help you prepare. Don’t miss this chance to hone your skills and showcase your business idea!
Don't miss this chance to hone your skills and showcase your idea.
No previous experience necessary!
REGISTRATION OPENS February 3rd, 2025 at 8am • CLOSES at midnight on March 6th, 2025
Important Dates
February 3rd at 8am – March 6th at midnight: Registration Open
- Complete a short registration form to enter the contest.
- After the window closes, we’ll send you an email with resources to help you prepare and submit your materials
March 10th – 14th: Training Workshops
These will be live and then recorded for later viewing.
March 31st by midnight:
Business Plan and Video Submission Deadline
April 3rd: Finalists Announced
- We’ll announce the finalists on social media and notify you by email.
- All entries will receive constructive feedback on their plans, regardless of if they are a finalist.
- Finalists will be contacted to set up pitch coaching times and to submit a photo and some interview answers.
Tuesday, May 6th 6:30 – 8:30 pm: Live Pitch Competition
Sound check will be prior to the competition.
Project 412 • Pitch 412
Thank you to Our Partners
