Volunteer to help with the 2017 BIG Pitch Competition

July 7, 2017

Georgia Southern’s College of Business and the Business Innovation Group (BIG) are seeking volunteers for the BIG Pitch Competition, an annual event hosted in conjunction with Ocean Exchange. This year’s event is Oct. 8-10 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

The competition provides the opportunity for startup companies focused on energy, fresh water, healthy oceans, biomaterials, shipping/logistics and sustainable agriculture to present their ideas in front of a panel of judges and delegates for a $10,000 cash prize.

Volunteering is a great opportunity for students to network with a variety of business owners, develop communication skills and build relationships within the community.

“I loved being able to meet so many well-connected and diverse entrepreneurs and successful business men and women,” said Madeleine Haney, a freshman who volunteered for last year’s competition. “Everyone was so nice and wanted the others around them to flourish in their businesses as well.

Two volunteers are needed on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. to help with the registration table and assist guests with check-in and downloading the event app.

At least 15 volunteers are needed Monday, Oct. 9, and Tuesday Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for various shifts. These volunteers will listen to finalists present their sustainable solutions, then assist delegates in discussions about each of the presentations. Volunteers will also take notes of these discussions to record feedback for the presenters.

Note-taking volunteers will be given a fact sheet with a summary of each solution, note-taking guidelines, and paper and pens. Volunteers may bring their own personal laptop or tablet if they wish to type notes.

Click here to volunteer, or contact Suzanne Hallman at Shallman@georgiasouthern.edu or 912-478-5586.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 118 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.