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APPLICATIONS WILL REOPEN IN AUTUMN 2024
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About the Competition
The Kick Start 3-minute Pitch Competition challenges students, staff and recent graduates (within the last 2 years), to present a short but compelling spoken presentation on their business idea and its desirability, feasibility, and viability. The competition focuses on the idea itself and there is no expectation that the student will start-up a business around this, however if you want to take your idea forward then we can support you. This is an academic competition which has been developed by the Kick Start and Enterprise team from the University of the West of Scotland.
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Our team will host support sessions leading up to the application deadline date, which will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about the overall competition and pitching process.
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Please check the bottom of this page for the application opening and closing dates.
Application Process
Please fill in the application form provided below. Once you have submitted your application you will receive confirmation that you have been entered into the 3-minute Pitching Competition.
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You may enter this competition with one or more business ideas. Once you have submitted your application, applicants should then start working on their business idea presentation slide and pitch.
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Our UWS London participants will be required to present their live pitch over Zoom.
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You will be required to pitch your business idea to our judging panel and audience. All winners will be announced live at our event. You can check out our pitching guide at the bottom of this page for more information and tips on how to prepare for your pitch.
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Complete application
Complete our simple, online application form to register for our competition.
Submit to our team
Once your application is complete, click the send button to submit it to our Kick Start Team.
Prepare presentation
Start preparing your one static Powerpoint Slide and a 3-minute pitch focusing on your business idea.
Present your pitch
You will be required to present your pitch live to our judging panel and audience.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to any student, at any level, and studying any course at one of our UWS Campuses. UWS staff and recent graduates (within the last 2 years) are also eligible to enter.
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You may enter this competition individually, or as part of a team (up to 4 team members).
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Participants must meet the following criteria:
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Connection to UWS: Applicants must be a current student, staff member or recent alumni of the University of the West of Scotland.
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UK Based: Participants should be located in the United Kingdom (UK).
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Have a desirable, feasible, and viable business idea.
Competition Rules
​Please ensure that you follow all rules outlined below during your 3-minute presentation.
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A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted which outlines how your idea is potentially viable, feasible and desirable.
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No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed.
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No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
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Presentations are limited to 3-minutes maximum.
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Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
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Presentations are to commence live either on stage or online.
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Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
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Below is a useful guide on what information you should include during your 3-minute pitch.
Judging Process
Judging Criteria
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Each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below.
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Presentation provided clear background information on their business idea
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Presentation clearly described the purpose of their business
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Presentation clearly described the need for this business and target audience
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The presentation was delivered clearly, and the language used was appropriate
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The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
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The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their business idea and captured and maintained the audience’s attention
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Judging Panel
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The judging panel this year will include four judges with enterprise backgrounds. The judges will mark all applicants pitches based on the judging criteria mentioned above and once all presentations have been assessed, the winner will be announced live on the day of the event. There will also be other awards up for grabs on the day including the People's Choice Award and the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.
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Participants will be asked a couple of questions from our panel at the end of their pitch regarding their business idea.
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Competition Prizes
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Big Cash Prizes (£2,000 Cash Pot)
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Awards
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Trophies
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Mentoring/Business Support
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A space in our new Incubation Centre in Paisley or Lanarkshire (The HIVE)
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Business Funding Opportunities
Applications
Applications Open
Monday 11th September 2023, 9am
(UK Time).
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Applications Close
Friday 27th October 2023, 10pm
(UK Time).
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Presentations/Pitches
Pitch Preparation
You will have to prepare your overall 3-minute Pitch/Presentation before the live event.
Presentation Slide Submission
Please send over your finished static slide for your presentation by Wednesday 8th November to kickstart@uws.ac.uk.
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*Please Note: that this competition will require you to present a live pitch on your business idea.
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Live Event
Pitching Event​
Wednesday 15th November 2023.
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*Please Note: All participants will be provided with an allocated time to present their idea.
Competition Timings
Support Sessions/Workshops
Our team will be offering support sessions for those who have any questions about the competition process, application process, and pitches. If you have any questions you would like to ask, then please drop into one (or more) of these sessions.
Please see the drop-in schedule and registration details below.
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Session Schedule:
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There are currently no available support sessions at this time.
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Competition 3-Minute Pitching Guide
This is a guide which highlights all of the essential information required for your 3-minute pitch presentation. Please ensure that you include all sections in your pitch.
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If you have any questions then please contact kickstart@uws.ac.uk
FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
This document will highlight all frequently asked questions about our competition. If you have any further questions then please get in touch at kickstart@uws.ac.uk
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How to Pitch Your Business Idea
How to Pitch Your Business Idea Workshop
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This session highlights all of the key requirements for your business pitch for our competition.
Please ensure that you include all of the information that has been discussed.
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Business Pitch (Example)​
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This video is a business pitch example which has been created by our team member Will Shepherd. Your single, static slide will be on screen whilst you are presenting in person.
Please do not copy this idea, but use it as a template when creating your own business pitch for our competition.
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