It's an elevator pitch. Get it...
The AHHS Most Valuable Pitch (MVP) is a pitch competition created for current Arlington Heights students and students from Monnig and Stripling Middle Schools . Big Ideas are welcomed and rewarded and should be inspired by your creativity and passion to create a better world.
Submit an original business idea that, in 3 minutes or less, describes an innovative product or service that you would like create. Or, you can tell us about a business you've already launched! Be sure to answer the following questions:
Who can compete?
Important Dates
Application Opens January 19, 2021
Application Deadline March 19, 2021
Judging March 22 - March 26, 2021
Finalists Announced Week of March 29, 2021
Live Finals (if needed)! April 7, 2021
What are the Prizes?
High School Division
First Place: $350
Second Place: $200
Middle School Division
First Place:
Second Place:
What are the parameters for a submission?
The submission link will be posted on HeightsCTE.org/MVP on January 19, and will close on March 19th. The application should include the following items:
1. Application:
a. Competitor must be a current Arlington Heights student.
b. Submission must be completed by the competitor.
i. Competitors will be asked to share contact information and demographics.
2. Video Pitch – Competitors have up to three minutes to pitch their Big Idea via video.
o Videos with inappropriate content and language will be disqualified.
o Videos can be filmed or animated and will be uploaded to YouTube for judging
o Sound is crucial. Don’t miss out on points because the judge can’t hear the pitch!
3. Supporting Material – It is understood that videos themselves may not be enough. Applicants may submit one additional document (one-page maximum) that supports their pitch.
a. Ideas for supporting material include: written executive summary, Business Model Canvas, marketing flyer or other promotional materials, product menu, financial documents, etc.
How to Prepare
Helpful tips for the applicant:
How are Winners Selected
An independent panel of judges reviews all entries. The finalists (if needed) will be invited to present their business idea (or discuss a business they now operate) in live (remote) three minute presentations to a panel of judges, followed by a short Q&A session. The judges will score all finalists based on their presentations and answers during the Q&A session to determine a 1st and 2nd place winner.
Suggestions for the applicant to create a quality video pitch:
Submit an original business idea that, in 3 minutes or less, describes an innovative product or service that you would like create. Or, you can tell us about a business you've already launched! Be sure to answer the following questions:
- What problem does your product or service solve?
- How do you propose making money?
- Who are your customers and why will they buy your product or service?
- Who is your competition and how are you going to be better than the competition?
- Presentation: Do you speak with confidence? Do you show passion and enthusiasm during your presentation? Do you demonstrate a full understanding of your business idea and do you clearly explain your ideas?
Who can compete?
- Any current Arlington Heights High School, Monnig Middle School, or Sripling Middle School students can submit their Big Idea.
- The competition is 100% free to enter.
- Applicants can apply as a solopreneur only. Not groups or teams.
Important Dates
Application Opens January 19, 2021
Application Deadline March 19, 2021
Judging March 22 - March 26, 2021
Finalists Announced Week of March 29, 2021
Live Finals (if needed)! April 7, 2021
What are the Prizes?
High School Division
First Place: $350
Second Place: $200
Middle School Division
First Place:
Second Place:
What are the parameters for a submission?
The submission link will be posted on HeightsCTE.org/MVP on January 19, and will close on March 19th. The application should include the following items:
1. Application:
a. Competitor must be a current Arlington Heights student.
b. Submission must be completed by the competitor.
i. Competitors will be asked to share contact information and demographics.
2. Video Pitch – Competitors have up to three minutes to pitch their Big Idea via video.
o Videos with inappropriate content and language will be disqualified.
o Videos can be filmed or animated and will be uploaded to YouTube for judging
o Sound is crucial. Don’t miss out on points because the judge can’t hear the pitch!
3. Supporting Material – It is understood that videos themselves may not be enough. Applicants may submit one additional document (one-page maximum) that supports their pitch.
a. Ideas for supporting material include: written executive summary, Business Model Canvas, marketing flyer or other promotional materials, product menu, financial documents, etc.
How to Prepare
Helpful tips for the applicant:
- Reflect on and identify your innate abilities that can create value for others
- Be Opportunity Obsessed and look for Win-Win opportunities
- Look to your community for inspiration
- Practice Humility by utilizing a mentor and attending entrepreneurial events
- Seek Knowledge of the business model canvas basics
- Spend time practicing pitches with peers and business professionals
How are Winners Selected
An independent panel of judges reviews all entries. The finalists (if needed) will be invited to present their business idea (or discuss a business they now operate) in live (remote) three minute presentations to a panel of judges, followed by a short Q&A session. The judges will score all finalists based on their presentations and answers during the Q&A session to determine a 1st and 2nd place winner.
Suggestions for the applicant to create a quality video pitch:
- Connect with any digital media gurus in your school or network. See if you can build a partnership where they either share knowledge on how to create a video with you or create a collaboration opportunity between your business and theirs.
- Seek expertise in your community – is there a local organization who may be willing to share knowledge and/or help you create a video?
- Scoring Guide
- Link to Application
- Email rick.sapp@fwisd.org for questions