Phase 1 – Executive Summary and Pitch Deck
Format: Adobe PDF only. Double-spaced
Length: Executive Summary 1-2 pages recommended. 2 Page maximum. 1 Page appendix allowed for prototype/MVP diagrams. Pitch Deck maximum 10 pages
Content: Must include company summary- in 1-2 paragraphs describe the problem the startup company is addressing, the technology solution, product, or offerings, and who are the potential customers.
Judging: Various leaders from the Dallas business community with relevant subject matter expertise and Cox Graduate Entrepreneurship club leadership team.
Output: Semi-Finalists
Phase 2- Workshops
This phase has been created to help our Semi-Finalists prepare for the competition and get some of the basics needed to take their businesses to the next level. They are also sequenced to help competitors get ready for the SMU Business Launch Competition. The Lean Canvas session will help competitors think holistically about their startup in a few different dimensions. This becomes the groundwork for the Pitch Deck in the next session, essentially presenting the Lean Canvas’s information. The Pitch Deck then becomes the outline for the 10-page business plan required to become a Finalist! With this incremental approach to creating a business plan, we hope to help competitors be at their best in front of our judges on April 8th!
Format: 4-hour workshop – 30-60 mins of teaching and the rest of the time spent creating a deliverable (Lean Canvas and Pitch Deck).
Teachers: Various leaders from the Dallas business community with relevant subject matter expertise
Attendance: Mandatory