Yes. The Business Pitch Competition is open to all AACC students who took classes this academic year (between July 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026). This includes students who took classes in the summer, fall or winter, or who are enrolled in credit or noncredit courses.

Yes. It is OK to have just one person, although many startups thrive with a team of founders.

No. At least 50 percent of the team, preferably more, must be AACC students who meet the enrollment requirements outlined in the first question’s response.

Yes. You also can meet new mentors during the required coaching sessions.

Yes. You must meet with a business coach prior to submitting to the competition. We have been doing this for more than 10 years and one thing we have learned is coaching has a significant impact on student success. You may find this requirement inconvenient now, but you will thank us later.

The BPC is a competition for student-driven companies. We have a strict policy guiding outside companies recruiting students to join their team in order to compete.

Students must have an ownership stake in the business or the potential for equity and employment. Only student team members are eligible to earn prize money. No payments will be made to nonstudents.

Students are welcome and encouraged to participate if they meet the enrollment requirements outlined in the response to the first question. In addition, the pitch must be for a business in the startup or launch phase and be in operation for less than three years. Students who have received $10,000 or more in seed funds from AACC competitions in the past are not eligible to apply.

Yes. You are allowed to change your company name during the competition. We recommend that you reference the name change in your documents such as in the one-page executive summary or business plan.

Most teams consist of two to five people, but you can have as many people on your team as you like. There is no official limit. However, only two members of the team who are AACC students can pitch to the judges.

We don’t release the names of the judges prior to the pitch presentations. You will meet them on Pitch day.

Yes. Students, faculty and staff at AACC are invited to attend. Participants also may choose to invite friends and family to attend. There is no fee to attend.

Judges, coaches and audience members do not sign nondisclosure agreements. This is common practice in the entrepreneurial world, especially when you are pitching your idea to investors. You should figure out a way to talk about your business, but not give away the confidential information that could be patented, trademarked or that is simply your secret sauce.