South Orange, NJ – The first annual Pirate’s Pitch Day, sponsored by Epsilon Nu Tau, was held Sunday, May 1, 2011. Seton Hall University’s new Venture Fund Competition, Pirate’s Pitch encourages both undergraduate and graduate students from every discipline to submit innovative ideas for launching a new business. In its first year, seven finalists were selected by a panel of judges to write comprehensive business plans and compete on Pirate’s Pitch Day for cash prizes totaling $5,000 as well as services to start their businesses.
On Sunday, five CEO’s judged the contestants based on creativity and feasibility of the business idea, quality of the written business plan, and the oral presentation. Lucianna Contuzzi took home the first-place prize of $3,500 while Eric Casperson and Andrew Gilberti were awarded the second-place prize of $1,500. The judges were so impressed by the finalists that they added a $100 “Honorable Mention” award given to Allen Ratz and Caitlin Papa. There was also an “Audience Choice” award of $500 that went to the most popular business idea among the non-finalists.
Overall, the first annual Pirate’s Pitch Day was a huge success. It was an exciting, fun-filled event showcasing the passion these young entrepreneurs have for starting the businesses of their dreams. It has everybody hyped in anticipation for what next year’s competition will bring.
Written by Kimberly Camperlino
