Salem State Students Compete for $10K Viking Business Pitch Awards
Salem State University is gearing up to host the Viking Business Pitch Competition. At the conclusion of this year’s competition, three finalists from among 38 entries will share in a pool of $10,000 to support their business ventures.
The contest in Salem State University’s AACSB-accredited Bertolon School of Business involves teams of students and individuals across the campus building their businesses from an initial concept to a final pitch. A panel of judges chosen from the greater North Shore business community will select the winners.
“This competition serves as an innovative opportunity to move our students toward their post-commencement entrepreneurial journeys,” said Jian “James” Gu, a professor and faculty fellow for the Center of Entrepreneurship, in a statement shared with the Patch of Salem. “From preparation to the final presentations, we have business leaders with tremendous entrepreneurial experience coaching our student teams, giving them the insight into what it takes to actually start a business.”
The winning team will receive $5,000 to launch their venture. Second- and third-place finishers will receive $2,500 and $1,500 respectively. The remaining five finalists each receive $250.
Eight teams were selected as finalists to compete in the final event on April 3 at 5 p.m. in the recital hall of the academic building on Harrington Campus, 71 Loring Ave.
This year’s judges for the competition include Salem State University Trustee Dino Di Palma, who has served on the panel since the beginning of the competition. He and his wife, Annalisa Di Palma, chair of the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation Inc., support the idea of bringing entrepreneur-minded opportunities like the Viking Business Pitch Competition to Salem State.
