A student presenting in front of large NIACC letters at the Everyday Entrepreneur pitch competition.
Entrepreneurship enriches every path

NIACC Everyday Entrepreneur Student Pitch Competition

Calling all student entrepreneurs and innovators!

Are you a college student (or concurrently enrolled) with a brilliant idea, a passion for innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit? Look no further than the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition.

Join us at this exciting event where we welcome college students of all backgrounds and fields of study to take the stage and present their entrepreneurial skills and business ideas. Whether you’re currently operating a side business, aspiring to launch your own venture, or harboring a fantastic actionable business idea, this is your moment to shine.

Why participate?

Elevate your entrepreneurial dreams: Get your concept in front of a panel of experienced judges and network with like-minded peers. Connect with fellow student entrepreneurs who share your passion for innovation, opening doors to valuable collaborations and partnerships.

Win big: Compete for impressive cash prizes to use as seed money for your business or expansion.

Hone your pitching skills: Receive valuable feedback from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, helping you refine your presentation skills.

Whether you’re a business major, an artist with a unique idea, a science whiz with a groundbreaking innovation, or someone with an unwavering drive to make a difference, the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition is your chance to make your mark on the world. Join us and take that bold step toward turning your everyday ideas into extraordinary successes

A student pitching a business idea during the Everyday Entrepreneur competition.

Who is eligible to participate

Any currently enrolled NIACC student (including high school students who are concurrently enrolled in the fall semester) who has an idea for a community-based business or wants to scale up an existing business.

How to Get Involved

Join us at an Info Session on January 27, 2026 | 12:15pm | AC #101

NIACC students of all fields of study are encouraged to participate. If you have any questions, please contact us at pappajohn@niacc.edu, call us at 641-422-4111, or feel free to stop by our office at PC #120!

Key Dates:
January 27, 2026 – Info Session & Workshop | 12:15pm | AC #101

February 3, 2026 – Application Deadline

February 19, 2026 – Business Plan Deadline

February 23, 2026 – Preliminary Pitches | 10:30am-1:30pm | AC #101

February 24, 2026 – Final Pitch Competition | Activity Center

 

Resources

> Templates: Business Plan, Executive Summary, Financial Spreadsheet, Slide Deck

Business Model Canvas

> Video: Business Model Canvas Explained (2:19 minutes)

> Video: Master the Business Model Canvas (18 minutes)

> PDF: Fillable Business Model Canvas Template

> PDF: Business Model Canvas Example

Value Propositions

> PDF: Ad-Lib Value Proposition Template

> PDF: Value Propositions Revisited

Pitch Deck

> PDF: Pitch Deck Template

> PDF: Building a Better Pitch Deck

About the Everyday Entrepreneur Program + Fund

The Everyday Entrepreneur Program + Fund (EE) program is funded through a grant provided by the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). The EE Program provides community colleges the support needed and access to entrepreneurial education best practices, curriculum, and initial funding for their students to take their businesses from ideas to thriving enterprises. The EE Program furnishes education, funding, and mentoring support to aspiring entrepreneurs.