Rocket Pitch Business Pitch Competition

Rocket Pitch is open to all currently enrolled HCC students. Ten students will be selected to pitch their business ideas to our audience and an esteemed panel of judges.

To apply, create a 5-minute video pitch with 5 slides in total.

1. Cover slide – name of business and your name
2. Problem Slide
3. Solution Slide
4. Market Analysis Slide
5. Financial Slide

Click below to download the PowerPoint template with instructions and slide examples:
Rocket Pitch Instructions

Ready to apply? Submit your idea below!
Rocket Pitch Application

If your slides are not complete, please submit what you have as soon as possible to express your interest in participating.  Final video with slides can be resubmitted until April 21, 2026 (final deadline). Mentoring with faculty is available to help review and critique your presentation.

The judges will review and score the video presentation prior to the live event which accounts for 75% of the score.  The remaining 25% of the score will be based on the live presentation on May 7.  See scoring criteria below.

Video Presentation: 75% of Score

Problem: Define the problem the business is solving succinctly and to the point. Include the causes of the problem: describe the situations and forces that are causing the problem. (10%)

Solution: Describe the solution being provided and how it addresses the causes of the problem and the effect it will have on stakeholders. (10%)

Differentiation: Describe how your solution is innovative and different from what currently is available. (5%)

Target Market: Define your target market using the four basis of market segmentation: demographic, geographic, psychographic, and behavioristic. (10%)

Market Potential: Estimate of the size of your target market, the potential demand you expect, and the projected initial capture rate for the first year. (5%)

Start-up Costs: Identify start-up costs needed to launch the business in all four categories: assets, people, intellectual property, and financial. (5%)

Revenue Sources: Describe the sources of revenue for the business. (5%)

Profit Potential: Identify the potential revenue, projected expenses and cost structure, and potential profitability. (5%)

Slides: All 5 slides are uploaded, and slides are well-designed with pictures and not too many words. (10%)

Five-minute Presentation: Address all aspects of the Rocket Marketing Pitch. (10%)

Live Presentation: 25% of Score

Eye Contact (5%)

Convincing/Persuasive Argument Made (15%)

Success Probability: Explain why your business will be successful, using the elements of a persuasive argument: present your position clearly, establish your authority with credentials and experience, support your position with evidence using facts, statistics, quotes, and examples, disapprove any opposing viewpoints, and state conclusions. (Explain verbally, not needed on slide) (5%)

The following scholarship awards will be announced during the Rocket Pitch ceremony:

• 1st Place $1,800
• 2nd Place $1,400
• 3rd Place $1,000
• 4th Place $800
• People’s Choice Award $400
• Betty Noble Entrepreneurship Award $500