(From Missouri Southern State University)The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is excited to invite the community to Pitch Palooza 2025, an energetic pitch competition that will highlight the creativity and innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs. This event will take place on April 17 at the Robert W. Plaster School of Business on the MSSU campus in Cornell Auditorium.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. for coffee and networking, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect with local business leaders, community supporters, and the entrepreneurs competing in the event. Participant check-in will also occur during this time, with the event kicking off at 9 a.m.
In partnership with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Carthage Chamber of Commerce, Crowder College, and University of Missouri Extension, Pitch Palooza 2025 offers three exciting competition tracks:Collegiate Track – Featuring college students who will present their innovative business ideas in two divisions: Business Persuasive and Business Informative.
Start-Up Track – Focusing on aspiring entrepreneurs with fresh, ready-to-launch concepts.
Scalability Track – Designed for established businesses looking to grow and expand.
A panel of expert judges will evaluate each pitch, and winners will receive valuable prizes to help advance their ventures:
Collegiate Track Winners – $500 cash prize for each division, along with an award and certificate of accomplishment.
Start-Up Track Winner – $2,000 cash prize, one-year memberships to both the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and Carthage Chamber of Commerce, and the winner's choice of a booth at either Third Thursday (six events, May–October) or Joplin Empire Market (six Saturdays).
Scalability Track Winner – $2,000 cash prize, one-year memberships to both the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and Carthage Chamber of Commerce, and the winner's choice of a booth at either Third Thursday (six events, May–October) or Joplin Empire Market (six Saturdays).
The day will conclude with an award ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in Cornell Auditorium, where the winners from each track will be recognized for their achievements.
We warmly invite the community to attend and show support for the entrepreneurs as they pitch their ideas and compete for exciting opportunities. Whether you’re a local business owner, a student, or simply someone passionate about innovative ideas, Pitch Palooza 2025 offers a day filled with inspiration, creativity, and community collaboration.
"Pitch Palooza 2025 gives entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their ideas and connect with key resources. We’re proud to support businesses at every stage and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our community," says Katie Kelly, director of the Missouri SBDC at MSSU.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Allo Fiber, Four States Bank, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Carthage Chamber of Commerce, MSSU Robert W. Plaster School of Business, and Downtown Joplin Alliance, for their generous contributions, which help foster innovation and strengthen the local business community.
Come early for coffee, stay for the pitches, and help us celebrate the future of local entrepreneurship!
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