Gardner-Webb’s Godbold College of Business Hosts Pitch Competitions for College and High School Students

Top Prize for College Students is $2,000; Five High School Winners Receive $1,000 Each

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Godbold College of Business is hosting a day of business pitch competitions on April 24. Activities begin at 9 a.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium on the Gardner-Webb University campus. The event includes the second annual Dawg House Pitch competition for GWU students and the Pitch Contest for high school students sponsored by the Cleveland County Chamber.

“The second annual Dawg House Pitch Competition is a partnership with the Godbold College of Business, Entrepreneurship Club and Investments Club,” noted Dr. Mischia Taylor, dean of the College of Business. “The purpose of the Dawg pitch is to excite our students and create an environment of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit on campus. This year, we are thrilled to partner with the Cleveland County Chamber to host their pitch competition with ours. We appreciate the opportunity to strengthen relationships in the community and support our young entrepreneurs.”

Both groups will present their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of judges that includes business professionals from the region. Registration is required for Gardner-Webb students, and must be completed by April 16.

GWU students should plan to attend a practice session on April 17, where they will have the opportunity to present their pitches and get advice from faculty and community supporters.

Taylor said the Dawg House Pitch competition is open to all GWU students. She also invited other students to come and listen to the presentations throughout the day. “We plan to have door prizes and other exciting guests,” she informed. “We are very grateful to our sponsor, Enterprise Corporate, for their support of entrepreneurial minds by providing the grand prize of $2,000.”

In addition to the grand prize, the GWU runner-up receives $1,000, and $500 goes to third place.

The Chamber will present five $1,000 scholarships — one for the winner from each high school: Shelby, Crest, Burns, Kings Mountain and Pinnacle. Details about the Chamber’s high school competition are available here. The top three candidates from each school will be participating in the contest at Gardner-Webb.

Last year’s Gardner-Webb winner was Kendall Massey, ’24, who won the judges’ favor with his entrepreneurial spirit. A management major, he pitched expansion of his business, Massey Landscaping. Massey started the company in 2018 and planned to use the money to invest in equipment and marketing.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.