Pitch your business concept and three lucky winners will split $1500 in prizes.

You’ve got a great business idea, the start of a solid plan, and the drive to succeed. But where do you go next? How can you get expert advice, some start up cash, and get ready to launch? It’s time to pitch your startup!

Now in its second year, El Camino College’s startup pitch competition, held online, is designed to help a diverse population of collegiate “founders” showcase their business ideas to accomplished entrepreneurs and investors, in a supportive, educational, virtual setting, in order to help launch their promising companies.

Not only will you receive immediate constructive feedback and true support, you’ll have access to workshops, online mentoring, and, for a lucky winner, startup prize money.

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ECC Pitch Competition

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    FAQ's

    Although aimed at a collegiate audience, the competition is open to any entrepreneur developing a new business idea or within the first six month of starting an enterprise.

    Your goal is to convince the judges to believe in you and your business’ ability to succeed in the real world. During your pitch presentation live-online, you should clearly explain the problem/solution your business is focused on addressing and how the business will make money.

    $1500 shared among the top three places.

    GUIDELINES

    This is an opportunity to develop and fine-tune your business plan, as well as practice your Zoom-based startup “pitch” of up to seven minutes. Participants are required to attend two virtual instructional sessions, where you will learn about how to develop your unique value proposition and will receive personalized feedback on your business plan. Then, prepare a deck and get ready to pitch live, online to an impressive panel of judges.

    You will be sent a Zoom link, as the entirety of the competition is virtual. Make sure you practice your pitch in a virtual environment ahead of time. You can record yourself, and then review your presentation, with a free Zoom account. You have 7 minutes. Go!

    The competition will take place live over Zoom on November 17, 2022. There will be a brief welcome and introduction of the judges. Pitches will be ordered randomly and you will be called on when it is your turn. Each entrepreneur will have up to seven minutes to present their business idea. Your electronic slide deck is due in advance by November 14, 2022. This is a hard deadline and you cannot participate if your deck is not submitted by the deadline. On pitch day, a winner will be chosen and announced.

    After all presentations are delivered, the judges will deliberate privately in a break-out room and compare their notes, consisting of pre-determined scoring criteria and a rubric. During their breakout, a guest speaker–Philip de Souza, President and Founder, Aurora Cyber Security–will talk directly to all entrepreneurs in the main room. Judges will return to announce the winner. The judges’ decision is final.

    September 2022

    Get the Details

    Receive details via email about the event, how to prep, and what to expect

    September 2022

    Now - October 23, 2022

    Application

    Submit your online application to enter the competition

    Now - October 23, 2022

    October 20, 2022

    UVP Seminar

    Attend a LIVE seminar over Zoom on building your unique value proposition by small business expert Olga Mizrahi

    October 20, 2022

    End-October

    Semi-finalists

    Semi-finalists (who will be invited to pitch live online) will be announced

    End-October

    November 1-3, 2022

    1:1 Sessions

    Semi-finalists get a LIVE 1:1 Zoom session with Olga Mizrahi to hone your idea and seven minute pitch
    November 1-3, 2022

    Mid-November 2022

    Finalize Your Pitch

    Finalize your pitch and deck and reach out to mentors for advice and support

    Mid-November 2022

    November 17, 2022

    Presentation!

    Present your winning idea in seven minutes or less to the judges at the formal Pitch Competition, held live over Zoom.
    November 17, 2022

    JUDGES & GUEST SPEAKER

    Donna Duperron

    CEO, Torrance Chamber of Commerce
    With relationship-based management and strategic team building, Donna has fostered collaboration with notable community and business leaders in creating esteemed events and achieving mutually beneficial goals.

    Laurie Brandt

    Co-owner, Red Car Brewery
    Twenty years ago, Bob and Laurie Brandt developed a restaurant and brew pub in a historic building in old Torrance, named Red Car after the now defunct Los Angeles trolley system. It is a staple of the South Bay community and dedicated to its promise of comfort, quality, and service. Laurie currently serves on the El Camino College Foundation Board of Directors and generously supports El Camino students.

    Noé Castillo

    VP, Senior Business Consultant for Chase Bank
    Noé has eighteen years of experience in financial services, including the last year at Chase Bank. He delivers exceptional customer service through one-on-one coaching, building relationships with clients, and providing alternative resources. Especially devoted to empowering Minority, Women, and Veteran Owned Businesses, Noe can provide all business clients access to the broader team of experts in areas such as cash management, credit solutions, and other business services.

    E. Franco-Ayala

    Business Development Manager of SkyOne Federal Credit Union
    Franco is currently Business Development Manager at SkyOne Federal Credit Union and has served the Finance and Banking Industry for 13+ years. He is responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and growing member relationships, as well as promoting financial literacy in the community.

    Vanessa Alonso-Gonzalez

    Chief Operating Officer of South Bay Credit Union
    Vanessa has spent the last decade in the credit union industry. First generation graduate, Vanessa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. She’s currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Leadership & Management from the University of La Verne. Vanessa appreciates her leadership role and is thankful to be a part of an organization that is passionate about giving back to South Bay community.

    GUEST SPEAKER

    Philip de Souza

    Aurora Cyber Security Consulting Services

    SPONSORS