COMPETITION JUDGES & EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Opportunities at the Project ECHO Business Plan Competition

The Project ECHO High School Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition is designed to mirror the real-world experience of startup founders pitching their ventures to investors. Students develop comprehensive business plans and present their ideas in a professional, high-expectation environment.

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Remote Business Plan Judges review and score written plans in advance of the event, evaluating each team’s innovation, feasibility, financial understanding, and overall execution. Their thoughtful scoring helps determine which teams advance and provides valuable feedback to strengthen student learning.

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In-Person Pitch Judges serve on evaluation panels during the live competition, reviewing 7–10 student presentations and providing professional insights from an investor’s perspective. Judges will also be assigned to read three business plans in advance of the Competition. This role is ideal for seasoned entrepreneurs and business executives with 10+ years of experience.

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During the live Competition, the Pitch Judges will evaluate student presentations, assessing the strength of the concept, the effectiveness of the team, and the clarity and persuasiveness of the pitch. Teams receive separate scores for their written plans and live presentations. Teams with the highest combined scores in each category (Product, Service, and Social Enterprise),  are determine the winning teams and awarded cash start-up funds (aka scholarships).

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All judges participate in a required Zoom training session to review their role, learn the judging rubric, and become familiar with the online judging platform.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

 

The Business Plan Competition is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026, at CSU Dominguez Hills in Carson, CA and is tentatively scheduled to start at 8:30 AM.

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​Volunteers joining us in person can look forward to a welcoming experience, including a continental breakfast before the event and lunch provided for all volunteers. Dress is business casual. Judges will also need to bring a laptop or iPad to access our online judging portal during the competition. We’ll provide everything else you need to have a great day supporting our student entrepreneurs!

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Ready to volunteer? Submit your application!

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In-Person Competition Judges, Please Note: 

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• Pitch Competition Judges will be asked to complete a mandatory background check. This is required of all of volunteers that have the potential to interact with the students. It's very appreciated that you pay the small fee. 

• You'll be invited to meet our executive director, who's required to meet the judges prior to their meeting our teens. It's a terrific opportunity to share more about yourself, and learn about our program and event.

• Judges are required to attend the training to learn about the online judging platform, and rubric, and to get an idea of what to expect on competition day.

• Pitch judges are also required to read and evaluate three business plans prior to the competition.

• Judges are required to bring a personal laptop or tablet to the competition to complete online judging.

• Submission of an application does not guarantee placement as a judge.​

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Frequently Asked Questions​​

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CONSIDER JOINING US AS A VIP JUDGE!

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It'll make you feel warm inside!  As a non-profit organization, Project ECHO is required to raise the funds it needs to offer our robust programs and events, and helps fund the scholarships.  During the registration process, consider super-sizing your support of Project ECHO with a donation. We're hopeful to receive 100% VIP support!

 

In return, you’ll receive a few extra perks, including:

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1) Preferred judging assignment 

2) An ad or "shout out to the students" published in the event program

3) Pitch Judges will receive an extended personal bio or add a company bio in the event program 

4) Digital VIP Badge for your Linked In profile

5) Official certificate of participation for inclusion in your professional portfolio