How it works

Entrants submit a short description of their business idea along with a one-minute video pitch. $5,000 in cash prizes. DNVC Committee selects up to 20 semi-finalist teams to advance to Stage II.

Semi-finalist teams submit an executive summary, short business plan, and a five-minute video pitch. $20,000 in cash prizes ($1,000 for each semi-finalist team). 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.

Finalists submit an executive summary, full business plan, and PowerPoint presentation plus make a live presentation to a panel of judges followed by Q&A. $35,000 in cash prizes. Finalists are assigned mentors and have access to the resources of our sponsors.

Finalists have access to the resources of our sponsors

Duquesne University School of Law

Duquesne Small Business Development Center

Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, including sophisticated equipment in our maker space-Bob's Launch Pad

BlueTree Allied Angels Investment Group

Palo Alto LivePlan Software

Funding for the DNVC is thanks to the generosity of Bob Mallet, member of Duquesne's Board of Directors and Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Mallet & Company.

 

Thank you to our partner

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