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Tuesday, October 29 will be a big night at Louisiana Tech University for student entrepreneurs pitching their startup ideas and showcasing their innovative spirit.

From 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in University Hall on the Louisiana Tech campus, students will pitch their product or service ideas during the annual TOP DAWG Idea Pitch.  Bulldog Entrepreneurs holds the event to help students develop their startup ideas.

Seventeen teams will give five-minute pitches about their ideas to see what professional judges think about their concepts.  The student body can get involved by visiting each team’s booth at any time during the event to vote for their favorite ideas with Bulldog Bucks. The team with the highest number of Bulldog Buck votes wins a $100 cash prize.

Immediately following the TOP DAWG Idea Pitch, a 60-second business pitch competition for entrepreneurs across the region will take place in University Hall, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  The competition brings together business founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, angel investors, executives, and community leaders from throughout north Louisiana.

Each competitor is given one minute to present an “elevator pitch” to the audience and a panel of judges.  Prizes will be awarded to presenters based on the judges’ selections and an audience vote.  In addition to prizes, competitors will have an opportunity to connect with potential collaborators, investors, experienced mentors, and other resources that can facilitate the development and launch of a new venture.  The event is sponsored by Louisiana Tech University, Winrock International, Community Trust Bank and Donnie Bell Design.

Entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea to share are encouraged to register in advance, as there are only 30 presentation slots available.  Additional registrants and on-site applicants will be accepted as space permits.

For more information about either of these events, call or email Ann Marie Queen at 318-574-5421 or aqueen@latech.edu. Written by Debbie Inman – debinman@latech.edu