PREPARATION FOR PITCH COMPETITION
π€ Session 12: Pitch Practice & Competition Readiness
π Overview
This final session prepares participants for the upcoming pitch competition. Entrepreneurs will practice and refine their 3-minute business pitches, focusing on clarity, confidence, and communication. With feedback from peers and coaches, each participant will walk away with a polished pitch and increased public speaking confidence.
π§ Learning Objectives
- Structure a 3-Minute Business Pitch: Present your problem, solution, market, model, and impact succinctly.
- Communicate with Confidence: Learn how to manage nerves and deliver with clarity and passion.
- Get and Use Feedback Effectively: Receive structured critiques from peers and mentors to improve delivery.
- Finalize Pitch Deck or Talking Points: Confirm key visual aids and data points to support your pitch.
π Pre-Session Assignments
- Write a Draft of Your 3-Minute Pitch
- Practice Delivering It Aloud at Least 3 Times (recording yourself if possible)
- Prepare 1β3 Slides or Visual Aids (optional, depending on format)
π Business Plan Focus
Tie together your entire business plan by focusing on how to communicate it clearly:
- Who you are
- What problem you solve
- What your solution is
- Why now / Why you
- What you need (grant funding, support, etc.)
- What impact your business will have
π Additional Resources
- How to Write a Killer Elevator Speech
- Getting Behind the Perfect Pitch (if pitching for VC funding)
- How to Explain Your Business Plan Strategy in a Pitch Deck Story
π‘ In-Class Activity
- Practice Round: Each participant presents their 3-minute pitch.
- Feedback Circle: Peers and coaches give constructive comments.
- Revision Time: Make final edits and re-pitch if time allows.
- Closing Remarks: Celebrate progress and share reminders about pitch competition day.
- Anonymous Advise for Propel Organizers- Take a moment and let us know how we can improve: https://forms.gle/Gz1a2UxQXLCA3g3p8
GET INSPIRED BY ANOTHER FOUNDER’S STORY!

In this episode of How I Built This, Tony Xu shares how he co-founded DoorDash, transforming a simple idea into a multibillion-dollar food delivery service. Xu discusses the importance of clearly articulating his vision to investors and stakeholders, emphasizing how a well-crafted elevator pitch was crucial in the early stages of fundraising and business development. His journey underscores the significance of concise and compelling communication in securing support and scaling a startup.
Session Info to Join online or by phone:
Bamberg Class
Tuesdays Sept 2 – Nov 18, 6-9pm
In-person: Voorhees University Campus, St. James Building Auditorium, Room #100
Online (note that you can only attend one class online if you wish to pitch): https://meet.google.com/ghc-skwu-wqe
Or dial: βͺ(US) +1 669-241-0987β¬ PIN: βͺ196 841 051β¬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ghc-skwu-wqe?pin=8245468634363
Oconee Class
Tuesdays Sept 2 – Nov 18, 5-8pm
In-person: 552 Education Wy, Westminster, SC 29693
Online (note that you can only attend one class online if you wish to pitch):Β Propel Business Lab: https://meet.google.com/xef-aqum-vct
Or dial: βͺ(US) +1 928-793-9348β¬ PIN: βͺ227 314 791β¬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/xef-aqum-vct?pin=3236025371962