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"Promoting Entrepreneurial Education. Developing Effective Entrepreneurs." Phase 1 Submission Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:59 p.m.) Virtual Finale Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (5:30 p.m.) |
$10,000 will be awarded for
the best student ideas! Graciously sponsored by: 
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About the Pee Dee Idea Challenge
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Cash Prizes $250 semifinalist awards
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Phase 1: Submit a written overview and pitch video of the business idea
CLICK HERE for additional instructions regarding Phase 1.
- PROBLEM: What problem/pain point creates a promising business opportunity?
- SOLUTION: How does your product/service offer a unique solution (make a difference in people’s lives)?
- TARGET MARKET: Who is your customer and what are the specifics of your target market?
- COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: Who are your competitors and how are you better/different?
- BUSINESS MODEL: What is your business model and how will you make money short- and long-term?
CLICK HERE for additional instructions regarding Phase 1.
Phase 2: Elevator pitches and Q&A at the competition finale
- Up to 10 semifinalist teams will advance to the competition finale.
- Each team will have 3 minutes to deliver an elevator pitch, followed by a brief Q&A session.
- The judges will collectively determine the Top 5 finalist teams, who will return for a 15-minute joint Q&A session.
- Any judge may ask any team clarifying questions during this time.
- Each judge will have $2,850 to award to the Top 5 teams: 1st ($1,500), 2nd ($600), 3rd ($300), 4th ($250), 5th ($200).
Additional Regulations
- Individuals and/or teams may submit only one business idea for the current challenge.
- To remain eligible for the competition, the business idea/venture must not have exceeded $10,000 in total revenue since founding.
- Submissions must be for new, independent, student-led business ideas or ventures in the pre-launch or early stages.
- This competition is open to all Coastal Carolina University, Coker University, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Francis Marion University, and Northeastern Technical College students enrolled during the Spring 2026 semester (undergraduates, graduates, full-time, part-time).
- Teams are limited to 1-5 student members. Only currently enrolled students may be part of the competition team. However, students are encouraged to refine their ideas and seek feedback from academic and community supporters.
- Previous years’ submissions that placed in the Top 5 may not be resubmitted. Any other resubmissions must demonstrate additional development of the business idea.
- All cash prizes exceeding $250 will be evenly divided among registered team members. Students must be present at the competition finale to win prize money. Winners are encouraged (although not required) to pool the prize money together to launch the business idea.
