2024 WETATi Academy & Nyumburu Cultural Center, University of Maryland College Park
Entrepreneurship Convention
Dureke iDEA Pitch
Competition
We give aspiring young entrepreneurs, the next generation students and inventors the opportunity to pitch their business ideas before potential business investors, their peers, the public, and parents. It exposes then to successful business owners to learn how they succeeded. The goal is to teach students early about the power of entrepreneurship and to put then on a path to economic and creative freedom.
The Dureke iDEA Pitch Competition includes the following:
Who can participate?
Anyone with an idea no matter what phase it’s in!
- Apply Now Elementary, Middle School and High School Students
- Apply Now College Students & Young Adults
Where will The Dureke iDEA Pitch Competition take place?
All preparation along with the competition is held LIVE In-Person Nyumburu Cultural Center, University of Maryland College. The results and awarding ceremony will be held in person at the WETATi Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship & Awards Gala.
What are the important dates to know?
The competition will take place on June 8th, 2024. Finalist coaching will be coordinated to the finalist and coach’s discretion.
- Registration opens Friday, September 1, 2023
- Registration closes Thursday, February 29, 2024
- Preliminary Submission Dureke iDEA Pitch slide decks due: Friday, March 22, 2024 11:59 PM NO EXCEPTIONS
- Finalists announced: April 15, 2024
- Dureke iDEA Pitch competition coaching begins: May 1, 2024
- Dureke iDEA Pitch competition coaching ends: May 31, 2024
- Presentation training: Tentative, May 23, 2024
- Final Competitors Slide Deck Submission Due: May 31, 2024
- Dureke iDEA Pitch Competition: LIVE In-Person, Saturday, June 8, 2024 @
Nyumburu Cultural Center, University of Maryland College Park. - Scholarship & Awards GALA, in-person: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Why should I participate in The Dureke iDEA Pitch Competition? What are the benefits?
- Work with WETATi Academy business strategic partners
- Get coached and mentored with our esteems practical and experiential experts in your field
- Receive coaching from WETATi Academy strategic business partners on your business idea and pitch.
- Participate in training to gain insight and a customized template on how to package and pitch your idea.
- Present your business idea in front of business professionals who may choose to invest regardless of contestant placement.
- Receive live feedback on your business idea from judges. Gain the opportunity to win seed funds for your business
Business Expo
Student Competitors
- Be exposed to successful business professionals.
- Connect with potential employers or internship placement opportunities.
Businesses
- Gain visibility throughout the event.
- Share business information.
All Attendees
- Connect with and make contacts within local, regional, and national businesses.
- Gain new ideas and inspiration to start your own business.
Power Hour Networking
Student Competitors
- Network with the WETATi Academy community including:Â
- Business professionalsÂ
- Potential employersÂ
- Potential contractors/clienteleÂ
- InfluencersÂ
- PoliticiansÂ
- StudentsÂ
- EntrepreneursÂ
- Community leadersÂ
- And more!
