Entrepreneurs Shine At The University Of Montana’s Griz Pitch Event

Imagine having to pour what you've been studying in a business college into 60 riveting seconds that could possibly launch a career!

GRIZ PITCH

That was the challenge at hand for a group of University of Montana students. With the premise that any business idea usually starts with an elevator pitch – a concise proposal delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator, UM News Service tells us that students interested in entrepreneurship had the chance to perfect their elevator pitches during Griz Pitch, a competition that gave students 60 seconds to share their ideas in front of four judges and a live audience.

The event was just hosted by the UM College of Business and funded through a grant from the Folley Foundation, led by UM alumnus and entrepreneur Conner Folley.

Griz Pitch was launched last year as part of the UM Innovation and Entrepreneurship Symposium, which connects students with researchers and faculty members. 

SOME OF WHAT WAS PITCHED

At the Griz Pitch competition, 14 students each presented their business ideas one after another. The ideas ranged from a thrifting bridal shop and 3D land mapping to apps that track health and motorsports maintenance. Each idea identified a problem, offered a solution and explained how it is different from existing businesses.

The students competed for $5,000 in prize money, with $2,000 going to the winner.

AND THE WINNER IS

Braeden Nissen, a sophomore marketing and management student from Stevenson, Washington, took home the $2,000 first-place prize. She pitched her business, Little B’s, a sparkling apple juice company for children that provides simple ingredients and less sugar in 8-ounce cans.

Braeden's parents own a beverage production facility and she’s had the idea for several years to create a healthy apple juice option for children. She will continue to work with Erik Guzik, a UM assistant clinical professor of management and entrepreneurship, and prepare her business plan for the Ruffatto Startup Challenge this spring, where $50,000 will be awarded to UM students. 

These entrepreneurial experiences are open to students from all majors. Get more details on Griz Pitch here.