Black Professionals

About the Pitch

  • Entrepreneurs selected as semi-finalists will pitch their businesses virtually to a panel of judges.
  • Entrepreneurs selected as finalists will pitch their businesses at NBMBAA annual conference in Pennsylvania.
  • Entrepreneurs will present their ideas/concepts to a panel of judges with a 3-minute time limit (semi-finals) and a 5-minute time limit (finals).
About the Pitch
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Resources
Rules & Eligibility
FAQ

Pitch Components

Entrepreneur will present their ideas/concepts to a panel of judges with a 3-minute time limit. Pitches should include:
Product or Service
Briefly describe the product or service.
Value Proposition
How is the product or service going to add value for customers?
Target Audience
Who will be buying the product or service?
Market Size
How big is the target market?
Differentiation
How is the product or service different from existing products or services? What is the competitive advantage? (patent, algorithm, unique service model, etc.)
Revenue Model
How will the product or service generate revenue? (sales, subscription, advertisement, etc.)
Revenue Estimate
How much is expected to sell in the first year of business?

Time

Each team is allocated three (3) semi finals and 5-minutes finals for presenting and an additional 6-minutes-finals for a Q&A session with the judges.

Presentation & Materials

Entrepreneurs should submit a PowerPoint presentation to accompany the pitch. Entrepreneurs can also display/share/show their prototype, samples, or posters. However, materials may not be distributed to the judges or the audience during the pitch.

Judging Criteria

Judges will evaluate companies based on four core criteria designed to test the merit and scalability of businesses:
Business/Revenue Model
Does the business have a defined, realistic, tested and scalable business model? Is there a current positive trend in revenue growth? How will the company use the funds to promote sustainable growth? Is the IP protectable? What is the barrier to entry? Does the company run efficiently?
Product/Market Fit
Have you conducted customer feedback/market research? Is there demand for this product? Will the market bear your pricing structure? How will future trends affect the business trajectory?
Team Capabilities & IP
Does the founding team have the requisite skill-set and core competencies to execute on the idea? Do you have deals in place with vendors and suppliers? Have you identified team weaknesses? How do you plan on filling these gaps?
Execution (Technical, Business & Product)
How has the business executed on ideas to date? Is the product well-designed? Is the business set up efficiently/effectively? Where is the product in its lifecycle? How will you advance the product to its next stage?
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Annual prepaid membership contract, with automatic renewal Service begins as soon as your payment is processed. You will be charged, immediately in full, the annual membership fee at the time of purchase. Your contract will renew automatically, on your annual renewal date, unless you cancel your membership in writing by no later than 30 days prior to your annual renewal date by contacting membership support. Renewal rates are subject to change, but you will be notified at least 30 days prior to your annual renewal date if your renewal rate will change. Should you cancel before your one-year term has expired, your payment is non-refundable, and your service will continue until the end of your contracted term. Cancellations can be made any time by contacting membership support in writing. Activation of Membership Memberships will become active upon processing of all materials at National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) headquarters. 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In the event that your credit card company requests a credit for charges, we will comply only to the extent that the request meets the requirements of the refund policy. (See above). Recurring Payments If you choose a recurring payments option to automatically renew your membership, you are responsible for canceling it prior to annual recurrence to avoid charges. Once charged, your membership will not be refunded. Notice of Photography and/or Videography As a condition of membership, individuals grant the National Black MBA Association an irrevocable nonexclusive license to use their name, image, voice and likeness for the purpose of advertising and promoting NBMBAA events, activities and products without any further approval from you or payment to you. It is the NBMBAA’s right to make visual and audio recordings, and still images of its members (collectively “Photography”) and to use the Photography and member’s name. 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