Rising Entrepreneurs Day
Are you the type of student who forges their own path, already has a successful side hustle, or has a great business idea, but needs some support and mentorship to get it off the ground? This opportunity is for you! The Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity will award one full-tuition scholarship to an incoming first-year accepted student, based on their progress and drive as an entrepreneur. The Keenan Center’s Rising Entrepreneurs Day will offer you the opportunity to apply, pitch and share the entrepreneurial journey you have embarked on with the Keenan Team.
The Keenan Center's Rising Entrepreneurs Day for the incoming class of 2030 will be held on Sunday, Feb. 22.
Bring Your Idea to Life
Get ready to step into the spotlight.
Participants will deliver a 5–7 minute pitch showcasing their business or idea—and the journey behind it. Whether you’re growing an existing small business or developing a side hustle with early traction and validation, this is your chance to share what you’re building and why it matters.
You’ll present using a PowerPoint slide deck (submitted in advance), and you’re encouraged to bring anything that strengthens your pitch—product samples, demos, visuals, or prototypes. If it helps tell your story, bring it.
Your audience? A small panel from the Keenan Center team, made up of experienced entrepreneurs and investors ready to listen, ask questions, and offer insight.
This isn’t just a presentation—it’s a chance to:
-
Practice pitching in a real-world setting
-
Get feedback from people who’ve been there
-
Build confidence in your idea and your voice
Bring your vision. Bring your energy. Let’s see what you’re building.
Get ready to step into the spotlight.
Participants will deliver a 5–7 minute pitch showcasing their business or idea—and the journey behind it. Whether you’re growing an existing small business or developing a side hustle with early traction and validation, this is your chance to share what you’re building and why it matters.
You’ll present using a PowerPoint slide deck (submitted in advance), and you’re encouraged to bring anything that strengthens your pitch—product samples, demos, visuals, or prototypes. If it helps tell your story, bring it.
Your audience? A small panel from the Keenan Center team, made up of experienced entrepreneurs and investors ready to listen, ask questions, and offer insight.
This isn’t just a presentation—it’s a chance to:
-
Practice pitching in a real-world setting
-
Get feedback from people who’ve been there
-
Build confidence in your idea and your voice
Bring your vision. Bring your energy. Let’s see what you’re building.
All accepted students who register as a competitor in the event will automatically be invited to join an introductory Zoom coaching session with Mike D’Eredita, Ph.D., Director of the Keenan Center.
Sunday, February 15
7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
This session is designed to help you feel confident and prepared, covering what makes a strong pitch, how to tell your story effectively, and what the panel will be listening for.
All accepted students who register as a competitor in the event will automatically be invited to join an introductory Zoom coaching session with Mike D’Eredita, Ph.D., Director of the Keenan Center.
Sunday, February 15
7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
This session is designed to help you feel confident and prepared, covering what makes a strong pitch, how to tell your story effectively, and what the panel will be listening for.
