Win a Trip to Harvard: Social Enterprise Pitch Competition

Have a great idea for a social enterprise? Here’s your chance to take it to the world stage!

St. Thomas University is offering students the incredible opportunity to attend FounderCrush at Harvard University—all expenses paid! This exclusive event connects emerging changemakers with global leaders in innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

How It Works

✅ Step 1: Develop a social enterprise idea that tackles a real-world problem.
✅ Step 2: Create a visually engaging poster, a maximum five-minute pitch, and five PowerPoint slides that explain your idea.
✅ Step 3: Submit your application by March 28, 2025.
✅ Step 4: Successful applicants will pitch and present their posters to our judges on April 10, 2025.
✅ Step 5: Winners pitch their idea at Harvard on May 1, 2025!

What’s in It for You?

✨ Attend FounderCrush at Harvard University – a premier social enterprise event
✨ Network with leading entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers
✨ Enhance your pitching and presentation skills
✨ Showcase your idea on an international stage
✨ All travel, accommodation, and event costs covered by STU!

Who Can Enter?

This competition is open to all students at St. Thomas University. No prior business experience is required—just a passion for impact and innovation!

Apply Now!

📅 Deadline to Submit: March 28, 2025
📍 Event Dates: April 30-May 4, 2025
📲 Fill out the application form below

Harvard’s FounderCrush Application Form

Download and review the Judging Criteria and Participation Conditions.
Download examples of previously successful posters here.
If you are in a team (not required), please fill out one application form for all team members (maximum two persons per team).
If you have any questions about or problems with submitting this form, please contact gmccormack@stu.ca.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

(###)

###

####

Major

Year of Study

Social Enterprise Name

Team Members

Description of the Idea

A brief overview (around 200-300 words) of what the social enterprise does.

Problem Statement

What social problem are you addressing with your enterprise?

Target Audience

Who will benefit from your social enterprise?

Social Impact

How will your social enterprise create positive social change? How will you measure this?

Market Need

Explain why your social enterprise is needed. What research or data supports this?

Competitive Advantage

How does your enterprise stand out from others? (What makes your solution unique?)

Feasibility

Do you have any early validation of your idea (e.g., pilot projects, feedback from potential customers)?

Revenue Model

How does your enterprise plan to generate income? (e.g., sales, donations, partnerships, etc.)

Governance Model (optional)

Please describe the governance model your organization will adopt, ensuring alignment with your values and operational goals.

Pitch Summary

Your 60-second social enterprise pitch.

Poster Concept (optional)

Briefly describe the visual concept or design idea for your poster. If your poster concept is not ready, you may skip this section.

Other Information (optional)

Add any other information here you think we should know.

Competition Commitment

Are you available to attend the internal competition event?

Yes

Harvard's FounderCrush Commitment

Are you committed to participating in the FounderCrush event at Harvard if you win the internal competition?

Yes

Online Social Enterprise Hub Event

Are you committed to participating in the Hub’s online event on Tuesday, May 6 from 1:30-2:30 PM if you win the internal competition?

Yes

Travel

Any potential challenges in attending the FounderCrush event? (travel restrictions, personal commitments, etc.)

Yes

Confirmation

I confirm that I have read and agree to the Judging Criteria and Participation Conditions for this competition (see the top of this page).

Confirm