COMPETITION JUDGES & EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Opportunities at the Project ECHO Business Plan Competition

The Project ECHO High School Entrepreneurs' Business Plan Competition simulates the real-world experience of entrepreneurs pitching their start-up ideas to potential investors. Remote business plan readers review and score the written business plans in advance, assessing the clarity, feasibility, and overall strength of each team’s concept. At the Competition, students present their start-ups to panels of volunteer judges who evaluate the quality of the idea, the strength of the team, and the clarity and persuasiveness of their pitch. Teams receive separate scores for their written plans, and their presentations, with the highest combined scores each category, Product, Service, and Social Enterprise, deemed the winners. All of our judges are required to attend a training hosted on Zoom to learn more about their role, our judging rubric and the judging platform.

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In-Person Pitch Judges

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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​​WHAT TO EXPECT

 

The Business Plan Competition is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, 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 if 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 minimum donation of $150 and join the ranks of other VIP Judges. We're hoping for 100% participation! In return, you’ll receive a few extra perks, including:

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1) Preferred selection of the competition category you'd like to evaluate (products, services, or social enterprise)

2) Half page ad published in the event program

3) Extended personal bio or add a company bio in the event program 

4) VIP Judges' Coffee Cup!