The Big Pitch - College of Business

Who is Eligible to Participate?

• The Competition is open to all post-secondary students at Northern Michigan University, regardless of major or program of study, who are enrolled in the 2025-2026 full academic year. Note: Prior award winners of the Big Pitch are not eligible to enter the same business plan or a spin-off of that plan.  Also, the proposed business must be wholly owned by eligible students during the duration of the competition.
• Students can participate as individuals or as part of a team (unlimited).  Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged.
• Contestants, whether individuals or teams, can have advisors and coaches who can be faculty members, business executives, and even entrepreneurs.  While this is encouraged, it is not required.  However, students must present their work. 
• An individual or team can submit only one entry.  An individual cannot be a member of more than one team.

How to Participate?

• Individual or team contestants must submit an electronic “Intent to Compete Form”, including a Business Proposal (1,000 words max).  These are due by 5:00 PM on March 3, 2026.
• Contestants agree to the following stipulations:
  • their proposal represents the original work of the student(s)
  • they will abide by all the guidelines and rules of the competition
  • they are responsible for all copyright, trademark and patent issues
  • should their proposal be accepted for Part Two of the competition, they will participate in all the activities associated with the competition      

Nature of the Proposed Ventures

• The competition is for new, independent ventures in the seed and start-up stages (businesses should not be in operation for more than 24 months as of the initial submission date seen above.)  Proposals for buy-outs, expansions of existing companies, real estate syndications, tax shelters, franchises, licensing agreements for distribution in a different geographical area and spin-offs from existing corporations are excluded.
• Proposals to license technologies from universities or research labs are encouraged assuming they have not been commercialized previously.
• Proposed ventures must be projected to be financially profitable, be lawful and create jobs.
• Contestants must acknowledge that their proposed businesses are original and that the business plan is their own work.

Business Proposal

A Business Proposal is usually developed prior to creating a Business Plan.  This proposal is the first step in determining the viability of a business concept and is the precursor to all the work involved in developing a complete business plan.  It is a brief document that describes the proposed business and contains enough information to enable stakeholders to make an initial evaluation about the viability and attractiveness of the proposed business. A well-written Business Proposal is usually a combination of business analysis and a marketing pitch.

For The Big Pitch, a Business Proposal for the proposed business venture must accompany the completed Intent to Compete form and is due by 5:00 PM. on March 3, 2026.

Business Proposal Rules:

• The summary must not exceed 1,000 words.
• The summary could/should provide the following information:
  • Proposed business name 

  • Type of business (e.g., retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, entertainment)

  • Product or service description

  • Market need and demand, including available substitutes (Why will customers choose this offering?)

  • Target market identification

  • Marketing strategy, including customer reach and competitive advantage

  • Competitive landscape, including existing or potential competitors

  • Operations plan, including supply, production, and distribution strategies

  • Organization and personnel, identifying key managers and their roles

  • Contestant(s)’ background, experience, and skills relevant to the proposed business

• The Three Year Timeline must not exceed 500 words.

Remember this is a competition. Your Business Proposal needs to differentiate your business from other competitors.  The clarity and descriptiveness of your proposal will make a difference and enhance your chances of becoming a finalist.  In the business world you would need to do the same thing to inspire stakeholders to support your new venture.

The following statement must be included at the end of the Business Proposal:

The contestant(s) acknowledge that the ideas and concepts of this proposed business, as presented in this Business Proposal, are the original work of the contestants. All contestants agree to comply with the rules and guidelines of the Big Pitch.  Contestants are responsible for all copyright, trademark, and patent issues. If this submission is selected as a finalist in the Competition, the contestant(s) commit to developing and submitting a Business Model Canvas to bizdean@nmu.edu by 5:00 p.m. on March 17, 2026, and to participate in all the activities before a panel of judges on March 27, 2026.

Feedback on Submissions

All contestants will be notified by TBD, as to whether or not their proposal has been selected as a finalist for the Competition.

Business Model Canvas Overview

• Contestants whose submissions have been selected as finalists for the Competition must submit an electronic written Business Model Canvas for the proposed venture by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2026, to bizdean@nmu.edu.
• The Business Model Canvas expands and elaborates on what was presented in the Business Proposal.
• A small stipend is available to the individual or team to defray the costs of preparing the Model Canvas. See Expense Policy for more details.

Guidelines for Writing the Business Model Canvas

• Plans must be in writing and are limited to 20 pages of text (typed double-spaced, 12 point font, 1” margins on all sides, and paginated) and a maximum of 10 pages for appendices.
• Business Model Canvas requirements (Focus on how the business creates, delivers, and captures value. Provide structured, concise insights rather than a lengthy narrative): 
  • Customer Segments: Define the target market and key customer groups. Include relevant demographic and behavioral details (e.g., income, spending habits, market size) to demonstrate viability.
  • Value Proposition: Explain the problem being solved or the need being met. Highlight what differentiates the offering and supports a sustainable competitive advantage.
  • Channels: Identify how the business will reach, communicate with, and deliver value to customers, including sales and distribution methods.
  • Customer Relationships: Describe strategies for attracting, retaining, and growing customers, including marketing and customer engagement approaches.
  • Revenue Streams: Outline how the business generates income, including pricing strategy and primary revenue sources for each segment.
  • Key Activities: Summarize the core operational activities required to deliver the value proposition and support growth.
  • Key Resources: Identify critical assets (e.g., technology, equipment, intellectual property, talent) and how they will be acquired and maintained.
  • Key Partnerships: List strategic partners or suppliers and explain how they enhance operations or competitive advantage.
  • Cost Structure: Summarize major startup and operating costs, key cost drivers, breakeven considerations, and provide a brief multi-year financial outlook based on core assumptions.
• The written Business Plan must be submitted electronically at bizdean@nmu.edu
• Contestants are encouraged to consult with and utilize coaches, such as faculty members, business persons, entrepreneurs, friends, parents or other mentors.

What Happens After Business Model Canvases Are Submitted

• Written Business Plans are forwarded to a panel of judges for review prior to competition day.  These judges are drawn from the business community.

Individuals and teams proposing new ventures can have advisors and coaches, who may be faculty members, business executives, or entrepreneurs.  While this is encouraged, it is not required.  However, it is the students who must present their own original ideas and participate in the various activities connected with the Competition.

• Each team or individual contestant whose proposal has been selected as a finalist for the competition will be reimbursed for up to $200 to defray expenses incurred in the course of preparing the Business Model Canvas.
• All expenses must be incurred by the date of the final competition, March 27, 2026.
• Approved expenses include the following: developing prototypes or models, informational brochures, phone calls, software tools to build a Web site, travel required for research, and legal and accounting services.  Meals, hotel stays, entertainment, computer hardware or electronic items for team members are not eligible for reimbursement.
• A single request for reimbursement for each team can be made and a check will be issued to the team leader.  Requests for reimbursement must be made to the College of Business within one week of the completion of the competition and must be accompanied by receipts and an itemization of expenses.  In some cases, the College of Business may pay for some of the expenses to save students from incurring out-of-pocket expenses.  These payments will be applied towards the $200 allotted to each team or individual contestant.  Requests for the College paying for expenses must be made in writing.
• Submit reimbursement requests and supporting documentation to Office of the Dean, College of Business, 304 Cohodas Hall, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855.

• Each individual and team contestant will be provided with a six-foot table in the Northern Center to display prototypes, artifacts and information materials and flyers relating to the product/service the contestants are proposing in their new ventures.
• Members of the team or the individual (in case of individual contestant) must be present at their designated tables to describe their displays and answer questions.  All contestants should be versed in the venture to be able to explain it succinctly.
• The Trade Fair is a public event.
• Individual tables will be judged for a prize for the Best Trade Fair display.  Thus, the products or services should be presented in a professional, attractive and informative way.
• Reimbursement for Trade Fair materials is available, up to 200$, see expense policy. 

• All contestants must be present at the presentation.
• A maximum of 10 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes to answer questions from the judges will be available to each team or individual contestant.
• The presentations are open to all, including other competitors, students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus.
• There are three prizes – first, second, and third.  The prizes are awarded considering both the written and oral components of the Business Model Canvas.

Competition Judges

A panel of judges will evaluate and select the winners of The Big Pitch on Friday, March 27, 2026. These judges are drawn from the business world. The decisions of the judges are final.     

Criteria for Judging

The Trade Fair presentation will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• The professionalism of the presentation and the contestants present
• The creativity and the information value of the materials
• The extent to which the materials convey what the product or service is
• Information provided at the Fair is consistent with the Business Plan

The Written Business Model Canvas will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Necessary components: Does the business canvas contain all of the necessary sections, including financial projections?
• Well written: The business plan must be written in a clear, concise, and logical manner
• Viability: The venture must be implementable, realistic, and viable
• Innovation and Creativity: Should be discernible in the venture and the business plan

The written portion of the business plan will comprise 60% of the weight.

The Presentation will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Clear explanation of the product or service
• Conciseness
• Logic
• Conveying a sense of energy and enthusiasm
• Professionalism
• Features and benefits of goods or services that the venture proposes
• Response to judge questions

Viability of Venture Criteria:

• Market opportunity: There is a clear market present and a method for taking advantage of it
• Competitive advantage: the business has a unique, novel, or distinct approach, which gives it an advantage
• Management capability: the contestants can effectively develop the venture and handle the tasks necessary for its success
• Financial understanding: contestants have a good understanding of the financial requirements of the venture
• Innovation: the contestants have developed an innovative solution to an existing or emerging problem

Other Notes:

• The decisions of the judges are final.
• All federal, state and local taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winners.  All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.
• By entering in the competition, the contestants give permission to Northern Michigan University to use the names of the winners and their project for publicity and/or trade purposes without further compensation unless prohibited by law. Contestants grant permission to the University to record and publicize their oral and written presentations, in whole or in part.  All submitted materials become the property of the University and will not be returned to the contestants.
• Northern Michigan University, judges, and sponsors shall make no claim to any property or rights retained by the contestants.
• Contestants and any business entities associated with them release and discharge Northern Michigan University, the judges, and prize sponsors, from any and all liability associated with participating in The Big Pitch and with the start-up and operation of any businesses described in the business plans. 
• Contestants should not present any information to the judges, orally or in writing, which they deem to be confidential, proprietary, or commercially sensitive. Information presented will not be kept secret.  The presentation of the business plan, the elevator pitch competition, and the trade fair are all public events.
• Competition contestants may be invited by the University to allow implementation of the business plan in a business incubator at the University.

• A $1,000 cash prize for the first-place winner in the best trade fair presentation.
• A $1,000 cash prize for the first-place winner in a "Crowd Favorite" vote. 
• A $2,500 cash prize will be awarded to the best Business Model Canvas based on viability and presentation.
• A $3,500 cash prize for the first-place winner of the Big Pitch based on judging criteria. 

Prize money is in cash and does not need to be put towards opening the business venture. 

The Big Pitch is being generously supported in part through an endowment created by Mr. Ervin Kranberg, a co-founder and president of Professional Liability Brokers & Consultants, Inc. (PLBC), a wholesale broker in the professional liability insurance industry.  The firm’s home office is in Vernon Hills, Illinois, with a branch office in Phoenix, Arizona.

Big Pitch - Adam Hop - Verdant Vessels

Crowd Favorite - Christopher Anderson - RecyKol Technologies

Business Model Plan - Adam Hop - Verdant Vessels

Trade Show - Christopher Anderson - RecyKol Technologies

Big Pitch - Heather Lindstrom - 906 Pet Treats LLC 

Crowd Favorite - Brecken Mills and Maggie Boburka - Peninsula Pizookies  

Best Business Plan - Morgan Johnson - Dan's Loft Kit Kart 

Trade Show - Christopher Anderson, Sergiy Blackwood, and Josie Beach - Snackage 

Big Pitch, Best Trade, Crowd Favorite - Superior K9 Aquatic Therapy - Rachel Harvey

Best Business Plan - Cat Cafe - Alex Broullire 

Best Business Plan, Best Trade Show, Crowd Favorite - You'd Never Know - Grace DeNoya

Big Pitch First Place - Wasteless - Donald McKaba

Business Plan First Place, Big Pitch - Niim - Bazile Panek

Crowd Favorite - Burger Boat - Jimmy Flom

Business Plan First Place, Crowd Favorite, Big Pitch - Cannoptics - Michael Cole

Second Place - OccuDec - Max Steele & Jonathan Damon

Business Plan First Place Winner, Crowd Favorite Winner, Big Pitch Winner - Glen Arbor Wines - Keefer Edwards

Second Place Winner - Lifestyle Gymnastics Center - Kidron Stromwall 

Third Place Winner - Lead Carpet Firearms and Safety - Sierra Utych

Trade Fair Display Winner  - UP Lure Co. - Jacob Patterson

Business Plan First Place and Trade Fair Presentation Winner - Portage Paddle Sports - Brendan Jacques



Business Plan Second Place and Big Pitch Winner - Modern Marketing - Keef Edwards



Business Plan Third Place, Trade Fair Presentation Winner, and Crowd Favorite - Marq Etiquette Board Shop - Nic Beaudrault

Business Plan First Place - Ben's Boards - Ben Phillips

Business Plan Second Place - Keef Company - Keefer Edwards

Business Plan Third Place - Yooperade - Gisele Duehring

Business Plan First Place - Upscale Energy Solutions - Logan Stauber

Business Plan Second Place - Go Energy Breath Spray - Rheta and Marshall Mering

Business Plan Third Place - The 906 Collective - Brett Etengoff

Business Plan (First Place $7,750 total cash and prize value) - Hobby Car Malaysia - Wenfei Kou, Yufeng Zhuo, and Wilson Goh 

Business Plan (Second Place $4,000 total cash and prize value) - Superior Shores Bike Park - Justina Liss

Business Plan (Third Place $2,200 total cash and prize value) - Cardboard World  - Micah Argeropoulos, Ethan Hausmann

Business Plan (First Place $7,750 total cash and prize value) - SnapTanx - Jacob Yoho

Business Plan (Second Place $4,000 total cash and prize value) - Torched Vines & Wines and Torched Spirits - Nicholas Lefebre

Business Plan (Third Place $2,200 total cash and prize value) - U.P. Coding - Corey Engelhart

Business Plan (First Place $4,000), 60-second elevator pitch ($500), and Trade Fair ($500) - The Protein Palace - Tony Plemmons

Business Plan (Second Place $2,500) - Warm Fuzzies for NECO - Lauren Lund

Business Plan (Third Place $1,500) - Fossil Woodworks Co.- Sage Henning

Business Plan (First Prize, $4,000), 60-second elevator pitch ($500), and Trade Fair ($500) - Indoor Organics - Laura Sironen

Business plan (Second Place, $2,500) - Marquette Roofing Tiles, LLC - Steve Farr, Martin Banerud, Jordan Wilson, and Aron Jurmu

Business Plan (Third place, $1,500) - CC's Soup - Bill Dufour

Business Plan (First Place, $4,000), Sixty Second Elevator Pitch ($500), and Trade Fair ($500) - Prometheus Tree - Rob Johnson and Josh Morrison.  Click photo to view their business plan oral presentation in video format.

Business Plan (Second Place, $2,500) - Intertwined - Sondra Troup and Skye Davis.  Click photo to view their business plan oral presentation in video format.

Business Plan (Third Place, $1,500) - Protectski - Martin Stuge and Ingrid Fjeldheim.  Click photo to view their business plan oral presentation in video format.

Business Plan (First Prize, $4,000), and Sixty Second Elevator Pitch ($500) – Great Lakes Cremation Services – Chad Walker and Steve Farr. Click photo to view their business plan oral presentation in video format.

Business Plan (Second Prize, $2,500) – Pulsar Backup – Joshua Petrovich. Click photo to view his business plan oral presentation in video format.

Business Plan (Third Prize, $1,500), and Trade Fair Display Presentation ($500) - Squeezed – Jessica Beaver and Kris Kohtala, Click photo to view their business plan oral presentation in video format.
 

Business Plan (First Prize, $4,000), Trade Fair Display Presentation ($500) and Sixty Second Elevator Pitch ($500) - M@M - Alysa Diebolt. 

Business Plan (Second Prize, $2,500) - Hand Struck - Christina Brazinski.

Business Plan (Third Prize, $1,500) - Cool Cakes - Brittney Alden. 

Business Plan (First Prize, $4,000) and Trade Fair Display Presentation ($500) - Presque Longboards - Bryan Johnson, Darren Young, Brian Emigh (team leader) and Ricky Golden

Business Plan (Second Prize, $2,500) - Extreme Boat Works - Chad Lewis

Business Plan (Third Prize, $1,500) - Project One Design Group - Thomas
Gallaher (team leader), Richard Diebold, and Crystal Zrelak

Sixty Second Elevator Pitch ($500)- Northern Eco System  -- Rebecca Miller