ISU Unveils High School Business Pitch Contest with Thousands in Prizes

Idaho State University Hosts High School Business Pitch Competition

Idaho State University is offering high school students in Southeast Idaho a unique opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and compete for substantial scholarship prizes. This initiative, known as the Idaho State University Business Pitch Competition, is made possible through the Reed E. Ostermeier Entrepreneurship Endowment and in collaboration with PitchVantage. The event is organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) within the College of Business.

The competition aims to inspire young minds to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path while providing them with the chance to win scholarships that can help fund their future education. Participants will not only gain valuable experience in public speaking but also learn how to turn their business ideas into reality.

Shane Ostermeier, who established the endowment in memory of his brother, shared his motivation behind supporting this program. “Reed had an entrepreneurial spirit – he took on many business ventures, everything from farming to personal training,” Ostermeier said. His vision is reflected in the competition, which encourages students to pursue their dreams without hesitation.

The competition offers a total of $7,500 in scholarships. The first-place winner will receive $4,500, followed by $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third. Additionally, non-advancing semifinalists will each receive $200. Ostermeier emphasized that the competition is designed to provide students with a pathway to achieve their goals, regardless of their background or location.

Structure of the Competition

The competition is divided into three stages: the first round, semifinals, and finals. The first round is conducted using PitchVantage, an AI-powered platform that provides real-time feedback on presentations. This allows participants to refine their pitches and submit their best work. Students can record their pitch multiple times before making a final submission.

Josh Thompson, a Clinical Associate Professor and main coordinator of the event, highlighted the importance of fairness and equal opportunity. “By partnering with PitchVantage, we’re able to use AI technology to provide consistent and unbiased initial judging. This ensures all participants are evaluated by the same standard, leveling the playing field and allowing their ideas to stand on their own merit.”

The semifinals will take place live over Zoom during the week of October 13. Three students will be selected to move on to the final round, which will be held in-person on the morning of Friday, October 24, at the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center on campus. Winners will be announced after the final round concludes. All scholarships are reserved for new, first-time ISU freshmen.

Supporting Future Entrepreneurs

Dr. Alex Bolinger, Interim Dean and ICCU Endowed Professor of Management, expressed pride in the competition’s role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. “This competition underscores the College of Business’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs who will drive the future of Idaho,” she said. She also thanked Ostermeier and Thompson for their contributions to the event.

Thompson added that the goal extends beyond the competition itself. “Beyond the competition itself, our goal is to support educators and students by sharing resources, templates, and real-world examples they can put into practice.” He often visits classrooms and engages with students to foster innovative thinking and encourage entrepreneurial spirit.

How to Participate

High school students interested in participating should register by September 26. The first round submissions are due by October 10. For more information about the competition, including registration details, visit www.isu.edu/cob/pitchcompetition. This is a rare opportunity for students to gain exposure, develop skills, and potentially secure financial support for their higher education.