Frankfort, KY – Kentucky State University (KSU) is excited to announce the KSU Student Pitch Competition, giving undergraduate and graduate students from all majors the opportunity to showcase their creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

The competition will take place on December 4, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the KSU Student Center Ballroom. Students will present innovative ideas in two phases:

Competition Structure
Phase 1 – Written Business Concept (Due December 1, 2025)
Participants must submit a 4-page (12-point font, double-spaced) business concept document as a PDF, and if working with a Faculty Mentor, the Mentor’s name must be included on the first page of the submission. Students are strongly encouraged to work with a Faculty Mentor while developing their proposal.

The business concept document must include:

  • Executive Summary – Concise overview of the business concept.
  • Problem Statement – Clear identification of the need or gap being addressed.
  • Proposed Solution and Market Opportunity – Description of the product/service and target audience.
  • Financial Table – A 3-year cash flow statement showing the path to profitability and growth.
  • Exit Plan – Long-term outlook and strategy for scaling, acquisition, or other exit options.

Phase 2 – Oral Pitch Presentation (December 4, 2025)
Finalists will be invited to deliver a 5-minute oral presentation of their business pitch, followed by 10–15 minutes of Q&A from a panel of external judges.

Awards

  • 1st Place: $2,000
  • 2nd Place: $1,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,000

The 2025 judging panel brings together a range of experience and perspectives, including:

  • A well-known local realtor, retired KSU staff member, and embedded community leader
  • A local business owner in hospitality and restaurant management
  • A KSU alum who is a social media content creator and successful sales professional
  • A representative from regional entrepreneurship hub Awesome Inc., which generously supports KSU student entrepreneurship programs

These judges will offer invaluable feedback to help participants refine their ideas and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.

Eligibility

  • Open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at KSU
  • Each student or team may submit only one proposal
  • Online students are welcome and encouraged to participate

The competition is co-sponsored by the KSU School of Business, KSU Center for Economic Development and Financial Literacy, Awesome Inc, and the KSU Innovators Inc Entrepreneurship Club.

Submission and Contact
Written business concepts and questions should be directed to:

Dr. Gary R. Stratton
Interim Chair, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance
School of Business
Email: gary.stratton@kysu.edu