This year’s idea pitch competition will occur Oct. 6 in the Mary Idema Pew Library at Grand Valley State University. The student with the best 90-second pitch will win $1,000 and the opportunity to participate in the national competition.

This year marks the 11th edition of the idea pitch competition at GVSU. The event is hosted by the collegiate entrepreneurs’ organization, a group that specializes in helping students start and run their own businesses.

Both graduate and undergraduate students can present at the idea pitch, said Zoe Bruyn, president of the collegiate entrepreneurs’ organization.

She said the event is meant to help students develop how they present themselves and how they can deliver their ideas. No props are allowed during the competition: students cannot rely on a PowerPoint, a prototype or a poster. Competitors must convince the panel of judges that they have the best idea in only 90 seconds.

“It’s a great way for students to get their foot in the door with entrepreneurship,” Bruyn said. “You don’t really need any experience – it’s very beginner level.”

Ideas can range anywhere from simple products to complex services. There are no limitations to what students can pitch —the main purpose of the event is to practice the concept of an elevator pitch.

Bruyn said the panel of judges consists of five entrepreneurs from the Grand Rapids area. Three of the five judges are alumni of the collegiate entrepreneur’s organization.

The top three ideas win prizes. First place receives $1,000, second place receives $750 and third place receives $500. The winning prize also includes a trip to Kansas City, Missouri, where the student will get an opportunity to present his or her idea at the national contest.

Students do not have to plan out their ideas on their own. Bruyn said the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Seidman College of Business is a great place to go in order to receive help.

However, the content of one’s idea is not as important as the presentation itself.

“Idea pitch is more about the way that you’re able to present your idea,” Bruyn said. “(The judges) look for being able to articulate your idea well, being able to introduce yourself well, what are you going to do with this money if you win it.”

If there is a tie between two students, then the quality of the product or service being pitched might come into effect.

Bruyn said there is a great mix of ideas that are brought to the event. Usually there are approximately 30 students who participate. About half of those ideas are products and half are services.

For example, last year’s winner was GVSU student Maggie McGee, who created an organic lip balm for the competition.

Idea pitches are the beginning steps of business plan competitions, Bruyn said. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will host a business plan competition in April.

Students interested in participating must apply by 9 p.m. on Oct. 2.

Visit www.ceogvsu.com/idea-pitch for more information.