Timeline
“I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance."
Steve Jobs
ROUND ONE – THE VIDEO PITCH
Monday 20 February
The Big Pitch opens for entries on Monday 20 February 2023. Submit your 60-second video pitch, instructions to be confirmed.
Friday 17 March, 12 noon
Deadline for ALL video submissions.
Friday 17 March, 3pm
Voting opens for all entries, ARU peers will be able to vote online for their favourite entry. The top ten videos with the highest votes will go through to the second round. Voting closes on Wednesday 22nd March, 12 noon.
Wednesday 22 March – 29 March
Round 1 judges decide on the 10 best remaining business ideas.
Wednesday 29 March
20 successful individuals and/or teams notified and invited to the Round 2.
ROUND TWO - RESIDENTIAL BOOT CAMP
Thursday 11 – Saturday 13 May
20 successful individuals and teams with the best ideas are invited to a residential boot camp on 12 - 14 May 2022. Location to be confirmed.
There'll be a variety of interactive workshops: business planning, financial planning, marketing, presentation and pitching skills. Following this, all semi-finalists will deliver a three-minute pitch to a panel of judges followed by five minutes of Q&A. Six of the best will progress to the final. This will be announced by Thursday 18 May.
ROUND THREE – THE GRAND FINAL
Tuesday 16 May
1-2-1 business consultation with Big Pitch mentor.
Wednesday 17 May, 5pm
Finalists submit a two-page business plan and financial forecast.
Thursday 18 May
The judges have a week to review the finalist submissions ahead of the Grand Final.
Thursday 25 May, 5.30-9.15pm
The Final Pitches
Location: Science Centre ARU Cambridge Campus
Six finalists take the stage to deliver that all-important final three-minute pitch. There will be an expert judging panel and invited audience of students, staff, partners, family and friends to help support those pitching. We anticipate potential investors and small business owners joining us for what is going to be a stimulating event. Winners and prizes will be announced on the night.