The Pitch
The Contest
The Pitch has been named in honor of Todd Feldman '89 and his family who generously sponsor the prize money each year. The Bozzuto Center would like to thank Todd and his family for their support and partnership as we seek to cultivate student entrepreneurial leadership at HWS together.
The Entrepreneurial Leader
An entrepreneurial leader is a driver of innovation. Entrepreneurial leaders create value through ideas that transform communities, improve systems, and create products or services that change the way we interact with our world and with each other. Their impact can be intellectual, cultural, social or financial. They come from a wide variety of professional sectors and a range of academic disciplines.
The Idea
The Pitch is an entrepreneurial leadership contest that will help one student bring his or her big idea to life. Students interested in participating in The Todd Feldman '89 and Family Pitch Contest will be supported at every stage of the entrepreneurial process, from idea generation to implementation. The winner will receive up to $10,000 toward transforming their idea into reality.
The Challenge
Submit a proposal by Nov. 6, 2026, following the guidelines presented on the application. If selected as a semi-finalist, you will be paired with a mentor with entrepreneurial experience to help strengthen your proposal. After a round of revision, the semi-finalists will be narrowed to four finalists who will participate in The Pitch for a chance to win up to $10,000.
The Event
Four finalists will pitch their ideas to an HWS audience and panel of alum judges. One winner will be selected to receive $10,000 towards their idea that night. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2027.
The Pitch 2026 VIDEO
FAQs
The Pitch is a student entrepreneurial leadership contest. After reviewing all proposals, an evaluation committee will select semifinalists. These semifinalists will be matched with an entrepreneurial mentor who will help them strengthen their proposal. Semifinalists will resubmit their proposals to be evaluated again. The field will then be narrowed to finalists who will be invited to participate in The Pitch event. There each student will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of entrepreneurial judges. The winner will receive up to $10,000 to put their plan into action.
This is a grant. Within the proposal, entrepreneurs must outline their budget needs and milestones for payments. The winner will be declared on the evening of The Pitch. Therefore, all proposals should be action ready.
Yes! We are expecting a wide range of majors and experience. Check our website for workshops that will help you write a stellar proposal. You just need an idea and the motivation to see it through!
Sorry, this contest is for HWS students only.
Only one proposal per student.
Yes, we encourage students to form teams.
We are looking for a wide range of entrepreneurial projects, for-profits or non-profits. All proposals must address the eight requirements outlined on the student application form.
Check the application for the proposal outline for The Pitch. We’re looking for eight elements in each proposal. Be thorough, thoughtful and creative with your proposal and this may get you an invitation to participate in The Pitch.
Each year we plan workshops, which will outline in detail how to put a proposal together.
Finalists get extensive training through the Bozzuto Center, which helps them get ready for their presentation at The Pitch event.
The winner will be expected to get started! After the winner is selected, the Bozzuto Center will set up a meeting to discuss how the funds will be allocated.
If you are selected as a finalist, you must be available to participate in The Pitch event. If you are unable to participate, you should submit your proposal as a member of a team and designate a team member to present the proposal during The Pitch. If you are unwilling to participate as a team, we recommend that you submit your proposal next year.
We’re not sure either! Check our website for more details and to get started.
Resources
News
EntrepreneurshipCharles ’27 Wins Pitch Finals
Duke Charles II ’27 receives $10,000 to develop a streetwear discovery app during the 2026 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Competition.
EntrepreneurshipStudent Entrepreneurs Take the Stage Thursday in HWS Pitch Finals
Four students have advanced to the final round of HWS’ Shark-Tank style pitch competition, set for Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in the Vandervort Room.
EntrepreneurshipMeet the 2026 Pitch Semifinalists
Ten students have been selected in this year’s Shark-Tank style entrepreneurial leadership competition.