First Wave Pitch Competition

Get Ready To Showcase Your Big Ideas

Get ready to showcase your big ideas in the First Wave Pitch Competition, an exciting elevator pitch contest for high school students. Hosted by ��av’s Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship and Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore, this competition challenges you to create a 2 - 3 minute pitch for a chance to win up to $3,000. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality!

Eligibility Requirements

All competitors must be high school students (grades 9-12) located in one of the following counties: (MD) Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Caroline, Talbot, Queen Anne’s or Kent Counties, (DE) Kent or Sussex Counties, or (VA) Accomack or Northampton Counties.
Apply individually or as a team (3 max)
Students winning the top prize cannot compete again in the competition. Other winners may compete again, but must pitch a different idea. Top prize winners are encouraged to compete in various other regional and national pitch competitions to advance.

Awards & Prizes

1st Place: $3,000 cash
2nd Place: $1,500 cash
3rd Place: $750 cash
Honorable Mention: $250 cash (3 available)
Top STEM Award: $1,500
Runner Up STEM Award: $1,000
Teacher/School: $1,000 cash (for educational purposes)

Deadlines

Opens: November 6, 2025
Closes: March 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Submission Requirements

Online Application
2 - 3 minute Video Pitch

Competition Files

2025 First Pitch Donors - Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore & M&T Bank

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