Pitch Palooza 2025: Missouri SBDC at MSSU announces prizes and support to boost local entrepreneurs
JOPLIN, MO – The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is excited to announce Pitch Palooza 2025, a premier pitch competition designed to support and inspire local entrepreneurs. The event will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM inside the Plaster School of Business on the MSSU campus.
Hosted in partnership with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, Crowder College, and the University of Missouri Extension, this free competition welcomes participants of all experience levels and offers three competition tracks:
Collegiate Track – Open to college students looking to develop and present their innovative business ideas or give a presentation on their entrepreneurial concepts.
Start-Up Track – For aspiring entrepreneurs with a concept they want to bring to life.
Scalability Track – Designed for existing businesses looking to grow and expand.
A panel of judges will evaluate each pitch, and winners will receive the following prizes:
Collegiate Track Winner – Trophy and certificate of accomplishment.
Start-Up Track Winner – $2,000 cash prize, a one-year membership to the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, a one-year membership to the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, and winner choice of either a booth at Third Thursday for the remainder of the 2025 season (six events from May through October) or a booth at the Joplin Empire Market for six Saturdays.
Scalability Track Winner – $2,000 cash prize, a one-year membership to the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, a one-year membership to the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, and winner choice of either a booth at Third Thursday for the remainder of the 2025 season (six events from May through October) or a booth at the Joplin Empire Market for six Saturdays.
The community is also invited to attend the event and immerse themselves in a day filled with creative energy, new ideas, and a celebration of entrepreneurship. Everyone is encouraged to show support for their favorite pitch throughout the day!
“Pitch Palooza 2025 provides a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with valuable resources. We’re excited to support businesses at all stages and celebrate the creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit driving our community.” says Katie Kelly, Director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center at MSSU.
Pitch Palooza 2025 is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: Allo Fiber, Four States Bank, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Carthage Chamber of Commerce, and Joplin Downtown Alliance. Their contributions help foster innovation, create opportunities for aspiring business owners, and strengthen the local business community.
Entrepreneurs interested in pitching their ideas must register by Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM. To learn more or to register, visit https://www.mssutraining.com/pitch-palooza.