Pitch for The Trades: Ask Us Anything Event Recap

This year, NACCE and the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Center of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, are excited to announce $135,000 available for the Pitch for the Trades competition. Colleges are eligible to win up to $50,000 in this competition. This is your opportunity to shine and to help create a buzz on-campus and in your community.  Click here to watch the recording of our recent "Ask Us Anything" event.

There were a lot of great questions, answers can be found on the FAQ page on the NACCE website. For quick reference, here is the information you need to know as you prepare to get involved with Pitch For The Trades:

• The application period runs August 2 – September 8
• Semi-finalists announced on September 9 and pitch on September 16. Finalists will pitch at NACCE’s Annual Conference on October 5.
• Applications are submitted online. The link will be live on August 2 at www.NACCE.com/PitchForTheTrades
• At least one member of your pitch team must be registered for NACCE’s Annual Conference (virtual or in-person ticket)
• Ask for what you truly need to help get your project off the ground and to keep it going. The maximum award will not exceed $50,000.

During the event, we were joined by two past pitchers who shared their experiences, tips and best practices. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Think outside the box – your project could be supporting an existing program, adding on, or creating a new one! What will have the most impact on your trades students?
• Read through and understand the guidelines!
• Create a pitch team that involves faculty, administrative personnel, and your president! (You need the support of your president to pitch)
• Practice, practice, practice! Semi-finalists will virtually pitch to a judging panel and answer questions. Finalists will pitch again at NACCE’s Annual Conference before winners & awards are announced.

In addition to the $135,000 awards monies for Pitch for the Trades, the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund (EEVF) steering committee is offering an innovative model that maximizes both funding and impact by creating a pathway for Pitch applicants to access funding through the EEVF 2.0 program at NACCE. All Pitch for the Trades applicant colleges are eligible to present an entrepreneur(s) for funding opportunities through the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund.

Questions about Pitch For The Trades | Theresa MacLennan, maclennan@nacce.com

Questions about EEVF | Anne Strickland, strichland@nacce.com

General Support | Erika Burfield, burfield@nacce.com