GO Topeka sponsors WU Pitch Competition to Grow Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Topeka, KS, October 17, 2019–  For the sixth year in a row, GO Topeka will sponsor the annual Washburn Pitch Competition and provide its final round cash prizes. A grand total of $25,000 of prize money will be awarded to the finalists during the final round, taking place on Thursday, October 17 at the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, 6 – 8:30 p.m.  The Washburn Pitch Competition encourages students to explore and express their business ideas in a friendly and encouraging environment. The competition is open to all Washburn University undergraduate and graduate students and Washburn Institute of Technology students.   

Glenda Washington, Senior Vice President of GO Topeka's Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development, expressed that their sponsorship is intended to serve as an investment “not only in the next generation of entrepreneurs but also in the entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus and in the local community."

“The Washburn School of Business is pleased to again be partnering with the GO Topeka on the Washburn Pitch Competition.” said David Sollars, Dean of the Washburn University School of Business. “As our community seeks to build an entrepreneurship ecosystem, a key ingredient will be retaining and supporting promising, creative young minds here in Shawnee County.” 

Participants may compete alone or in teams of up to three people. The cash prizes are made available by GO Topeka to help students start a new business venture. The 2019 Washburn Pitch Competition decides the winners over the course of three pitch presentations (or rounds). 

"As we were developing our entrepreneurship program, several Washburn faculty members visited top programs across the country to learn what made them successful. Pitch competitions were a common part of the extracurricular activities of the top programs," said Sollars. "We view it as a chance for students to think through a business idea and then boil it down to its essentials for a 3- minute pitch."

One thing is for certain, the competition greatly benefits from the aid of its community. “As our Entrepreneurship and Innovation program continues to grow and support these efforts, the Pitch Competition is often these students’ first foray into entrepreneurship and competing for the awards provided by GO Topeka raises interest to the next level,” said Sollars. 

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bob Ross at 785.215.8362 or Bob.Ross@TopekaPartnership.com.