The DNVC is hosted annually by the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University. The three-stage business plan competition is open to companies nationwide that are less than four years old. It serves as a platform for early-stage startups to showcase their innovations, receive mentorship, and compete for cash prizes and valuable resources.
DNVC invites the submission of new venture ideas and growing startups that have commercial and/or social missions. There is no limit on business size, but each participating group must select five or fewer people to participate on the DNVC competition team.
Businesses who have been legally registered for four years or fewer are eligible and legal business registration is not required. Businesses that have previously participated in the DNVC may participate again unless they were a Finalist. Previous finalists may participate again with a new venture.
Important Dates:
- Submissions Open: August 26, 2024
- Stage I materials due: November 17, 2024
- Teams notified of Stage I results: January 6, 2025 (via email)
- Stage II materials due: February 16, 2025
- Teams notified of Stage II results: March 3, 2025 (via email)
- Stage III materials due: April 6, 2025
- Finalist presentations in person: April 13, 2025
- Winners announced at DNVC Reception and Award Ceremony: April 24, 2025
Important Entry and Eligibility Information
- Each entering team will be assessed by the DNVC Competition Committee for compliance with DNVC rules and eligibility requirements.•While the competition is focused on the greater Pittsburgh region, anyone in the continental United States is encouraged to apply. Please note that travel-related costs (e.g., airfare, lodging, etc.) are not covered by the DNVC.
- Teams must designate a leader who will be the primary point of contact with DNVC staff.
- No Duquesne University affiliation needed for Stages I and II.
- Teams that advance to Stage III must include at least one member affiliated with Duquesne University. DNVC staff stand ready to assist and facilitate recruiting team members for contestants advancing to Stage III. A six-member team is permitted at Stage III if a Duquesne affiliated member must be added to a five-person team. A current student, staff member, faculty member and/or a graduate of the Duquesne University will be referred to teams who need an affiliate team member in Stage III.
- Contestants are ineligible to participate in the DNVC if, by the Stage I submission deadline any legally registered entity associated with the entry has been in place for more than four (4) years, (e.g., as a corporation, partnership, or LLC). Teams will be required to certify adherence to this requirement as part of their Stage 1 submission process.
- Contestants are not required to be a legally registered business entity.
- Business concepts must not violate any local, state or federal laws, including federal patent, trademark and copyright laws.
- Business concepts must not violate Duquesne University’s mission and values. At their sole discretion, the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business and Duquesne University reserve the right to disqualify entrants whose submissions are believed to be contrary to the University’s Catholic, Spiritan values
How the DNVC works
Teams submit a one-minute video pitch via YouTube link and a business summary of up to 500 words (1 page maximum) in PDF format. Graphics may be used in both the video pitch and business summary. A screening committee will then evaluate these pitches and summaries to select up to fifteen (15) semi-finalist teams. In addition, pitches will be evaluated for best video for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes. DNVC Committee selects up to 15 semi-finalist teams to advance to Stage II.
Semi-finalist teams submit a five-minute video pitch via YouTube link, an executive summary of up to 500 words (1 page maximum) in PDF format, and a business plan of up to 2,500 words (5 pages) in a PDF format. Graphics may be used in both the video pitch and business summary. A panel of judges will then evaluate these pitches and summaries to select up to five (5) finalist teams. A panel of judges select up to 5 finalist teams to advance to Stage III. All teams receive free access to Palo Alto's LivePlan software.
Finalist teams are also required to make a 15 minute live presentation to a panel of judges followed by 10 minutes of Q&A. The live pitch should utilize the PowerPoint slides, demonstrate the product physically or graphically, and include a scenario with customers to solidify the value proposition. Props and demos are permitted and encouraged during final presentations. Embedded videos are allowed in slide deck presentations but count against time limits.
Finalists are assigned mentors and have access to the resources of our sponsors.
Final presentations will be held on Sunday, April 13th, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM. Check-in will be 30 minutes prior to presentation. Presenting team members must be in person for presentations and awards to be eligible.
Finalists have access to the resources of our sponsors
Thank you to our partners
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