College of Business and Economic Development
Golden Idea Pitch Competition
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Do you have an idea for a new product or service? Or perhaps you've recognized where one is needed? Let's make it happen! No experience required—just an idea!
The annual Golden Idea Pitch Competition provides Southern Miss students with support, mentorship, and funding to help launch their big ideas!
All current Southern Miss students–from all majors and all disciplines–are eligible and encouraged to participate!
- Why should I submit an idea? Receive support and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs who want to see you succeed and compete for funding to help launch your big idea!
- Do I need any business-related experience or education? No!
- Should I still submit an idea even if I don't think it will "change the world"? Absolutely!
- Can students work together on an idea? Students may choose to participate individually or in teams of up to 4.
- Do participants need to be Southern Miss students? All participants must be currently enrolled in an accredited 4-year college or university with at least half of their team consisting of current Southern Miss students.
For other inquiries, please email The Hatchery at hatcheryFREEMississippi.
Round 1:
Golden Idea Submission Deadline | February 26
Round 2:
Mentor Mixer | March 20
Golden Idea Finals:
Week 1: April 3-4
Week 2: April 10-11
Round 1: Submission Deadline
Date: Deadline is Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 11:59 PM
Location: You're here! Click here to submit a basic summary of your idea. The uniqueness of your idea is not as important as your determination to understand and successfully solve a problem!
The TOP 20 semifinalists will be selected to advance. Results will be announced by
Friday, February 28, 2025.
Round 2: Mentor Mixer & Lightning Pitch Round
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 | Times TBA
Location: TBA
The TOP 21 semifinalists will connect with the Center's entrepreneurship mentors through
a casual and fun "elevator pitch" event. Semifinalists will be prompted in advance
to prepare for specific questions that will likely be asked. The TOP 8 finalists will
be selected to advance. Results will be announced by Friday, March 21, 2025.
Golden Idea Finals
Dates:
- Week 1: Thursday, April 3–Friday, April 4, 2025 | Times TBA
- Week 2: Thursday, April 10–Friday, April 11, 2025 | Times TBA
Location: Scianna Hall (McDonnell Auditorium and other locations)
The final pitch event consists of a series of interactive, high-energy experiences
designed to help accelerate your path to success! Results will be announced during
the live finale on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Throughout the competition process, all ideas will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Problem: Have you provided clear evidence of a real, significant problem or gap in the market?
- People: Have you identified and clearly described the customer(s) who are affected by this Problem?
- Potential: Have you provided a compelling case for your idea as a potential solution?