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April 16, 2026 - High School & Collegiate Tracks
April 17, 2026 - Start-Up & Scalability Tracks
1
Determine Which Track You Are Participating In
We’re accepting entries in three categories:
Collegiate Track
(College level businesses/ideas)
1. Informative
Explain a new company, product, or service
2. Persuasive
Persuade the judges to invest in your business, product, or service
Start-Up Track
(Business idea/operating business for less than 3 years)
Scalability Track
(Operating business for more than three years)
2
Register For Your Track & Submit Your
Pitch Video
Once the desired track is chosen, please register with the buttons below. You will be required to fill out a form.
Please submit your pitch as an unlisted YouTube video link to ensure it remains private but accessible to judges.
If submitting in the Collegiate Track, please do not put school identifying logos or materials in the submission to avoid personal bias.
3
Watch For An Email Or Announcement From Us
A panel of expert judges will review all submitted pitches. The top seven entries from each category will be invited to pitch live at the finals.
If selected, you will receive an email by 3/26/2026 and you'll pitch live at the Pitch Palooza 2026 Finals at Missouri Southern State University, Robert W. Plaster School of Business – Cornell Auditorium on:
Collegiate Track Finals: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Start-Up & Scalability Track Finals:
Friday, April 17, 2026
Partners:
Category Sponsor:
In-Kind Sponsor:
Join us for an exciting business pitch contest that showcases innovation and entrepreneurial spirit! Pitch Palooza at Missouri Southern State University's Robert W. Plaster School of Business in Cornell Auditorium. This is a two-day celebration of creativity, strategy, and bold new ventures — bringing together emerging entrepreneurs from across the region.
On April 16, the spotlight shines on the High School and Collegiate Track, where young innovators take the stage to present their fresh, forward-thinking business ideas. Then, on April 17, we shift gears to the Start-Up and Scalability Track, featuring early-stage ventures and growing businesses ready to take things to the next level. Whether you're a participant, investor, mentor, or just love great ideas, Pitch Palooza 2026 is the place to be!
Ready to Pitch?
Register Now! Think you've got the next big idea? We want to hear it!
Whether you're a student with a bold vision, a start-up ready to make waves, or a growing business scaling to new heights — Pitch Palooza 2026 is your platform to shine.
Check out this video for tips on how to pitch
How to Participate:
We’re accepting entries in three categories:
Collegiate Track
Start-Up Track
Scalability Track
A panel of expert judges will review all submitted pitches. The top seven entries from each category will be invited to pitch live at the finals.
Finals and Prizes
If selected, you'll pitch live at the Pitch Palooza 2026 Finals at Missouri Southern State University, Robert W. Plaster School of Business – Cornell Auditorium on:
Collegiate Track Finals: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Start-Up & Scalability Track Finals: Friday, April 17, 2026
Compete for cash prizes, awards, mentorship opportunities, and more!
To register, please select the category you want to participate in: