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Apply to Pitch!

Applications for the 2025 Createur Pitch Competition are officially open! This is your chance to showcase your innovative ideas, gain invaluable feedback, and compete for a share of the $20,000 prize pool.
Apply to Pitch

Who Should Apply?

We’re seeking Foundeurs in all stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling a proven concept, there’s a place for you in the Createur Pitch Competition!

Idea

You're just getting started. You may have a functional prototype or are preparing to introduce your first product to the market.

Pre-Revenue

You have a prototype, pilot, or first product but are not yet generating revenue.

Early Stage

You have a proven product or service, are generating revenue, and are working to scale.

How It Works

The Createur Pitch Competition unfolds in three exciting rounds. Each stage challenges you to refine your pitch, showcase your vision, and impress expert judges. Compete for a chance to share your innovative ideas and win big!
Apply to Pitch

Round 1: Online Judging

Applications will be reviewed remotely by a panel of expert judges during March 2025.

Evaluation criteria: concept strength, problem-solving potential, business model viability, deliverability, and investability.

Up to 20 teams will advance to the semi-finals.
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‍Application Deadline: March 1, 2025.

Round 2: Semi-Finals (April 3)

Semi-finalists will pitch live on campus to a panel of investor judges.

Each team will deliver a 5-minute pitch with a pitch deck + 5 minutes of Q&A with judges.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the finals.

Round 3: Finals (April 4)

Finalists will pitch to a distinguished panel of judges. Presentation order will be randomly selected.

Each team will deliver a 5-minute pitch with a pitch deck + 5 minutes of Q&A with judges.

Winners Announced: April 4, 2025.

Prize Categories

With a $20,000 prize pool, Createur is rewarding innovation at every level.

High School Division: $5,000

Top three winners share the prize pool.

‍Nazarene Youth Award: $250 (for high school students affiliated with a Nazarene church).

College & Career Division: $15,000

Divided across these categories: Business as Mission Track, For-Profit Business Track, Tiger Spirit Award ($250 for current Olivet students).

Ready to Take the Stage?

Apply now and turn your ideas into action at Createur 2025!
Apply to Pitch
Submit Your Application
Craft Your Pitch
Compete for $20,000

The Fine Print

Eligibility:

All currently enrolled college or university students are eligible to compete. Affiliation with the business school is not required. Pitches can be from individuals or teams. All business concepts must be created, managed, and owned by the participant/team who is registered for the competition. (At least 50% ownership is required by a college or university student or ONU Alumni)

Team Rules:

Teams may consist of 2-6 students or Alumni. At least one participant is required to be a currently enrolled student or have graduated from ONU. Teams are to designate one person to be the team lead. This team member will be the point of contact for the competition.

Competition Rules:

Round One will take place online. All participants who meet the submission criteria by the deadline will compete in the online round. Participants advancing to the next round will be notified. 

Round Two Semi-finals will take place live on ONU campus. Participants will be divided into randomly selected competition tracks with a separate panel of judges. The 5 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of Q&A will be strictly enforced. The top two teams from each track will advance to the finals. Feedback will be provided and then may be used to revise final presentations. 

Round Three Finals will have the top teams pitch live to judges on the main stage. The 5 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of Q&A will be strictly enforced. The team’s presentation order will be randomly chosen. 

Teams may have up to two presenters for the final presentation. 

Judging is based on but not limited to: originality, concept feasibility, business model, market opportunity, competitive advantage, presentation and well-researched.

Fees and Expenses:

There is no charge to participate in the competition or to attend. Participants are responsible for their own travel, meals and housing.

Faculty/Staff/Outside Advisors:

Participants are encouraged to seek outside advice. Advisors may attend the event and must register separately.

Disclosures

Olivet Nazarene University does not assume any responsibility nor can provide any guarantees in regard to confidentiality. All sessions and competitions are open to the public which may include radio, television, or internet.

Judges will use discretion with information, but cannot guarantee non-disclosure. All affiliates and organizers of the conference may use photographs, video/audio in any book or other printed materials and any digital or physical medium that they produce.

These Rules and Guidelines may be updated at any time.

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