Pitch Judges: Frequently Asked Questions

This Frequently Asked Questions section provides volunteers with a quick overview of what to expect at the Project ECHO Business Plan Competition. Here you’ll find key details about judging responsibilities, event logistics, scoring, training, and how the Semi-Finals and Finals work—all in one convenient place to help you prepare for a great day supporting our student entrepreneurs. No experience necessary! We'll train you and ensure you're well prepared to serve as a judge.

What is the Project ECHO Business Plan Competition?

A real-world simulation where high school entrepreneurs pitch start-up ideas to volunteer judges acting as potential investors.
Students are evaluated on idea quality, team strength, and pitch clarity, with winners selected based on where judges would most likely “invest.”
As an academic program, students are not required to launch their businesses, though several do every year.

Semi-Finals and Finals in a Single Day – How It Works

All registered teams are invited to participate in the Competition.
Every team must submit a written business plan, which accounts for 50% of their total score.
The live pitch presentation makes up the remaining 50% of the score.
Teams compete in the morning in assigned Competition Rooms based on their category of competition: Products, Services, and Social Enterprise.
The highest-scoring teams in each room advance to the Finals after lunch.
Winning teams in each category of competition will be awarded cash start-up funds (aka college scholarships) in the amount of $1,000, $500, and $250 for first through third place.
The Top Finalists will pitch again to a designated 3 person panel, competing for:
- The coveted Overall Winner Award
- An additional $1,000 scholarship

How Are Teams Evaluated?

Scoring is 50% written business plan (evaluated in advance) and 50% live presentation.
Judges score teams using YouNoodle, a cloud-based evaluation system.
Pitch Judges are also required to read three business plans.

What Categories Do Teams Compete In?

Products
Services
Social Enterprise

What Do In-Person Judges Do?

Read and judge three written business plans from the pool of teams that will be competing in their classroom
Evaluate 7–10 team presentations in a classroom setting.
Attend TWO trainings in advance of the competition.
- Training 1: Preparing to read and evaluate written business plans
- Training 2: Preparing for the live competition
Ask questions after pitches and score teams on YouNoodle.
Work alongside university college student facilitators who assist with schedule, A/V, and YouNoodle.

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

Yes: a laptop or iPad and a power cord. Smartphones cannot be used for scoring.

What is the Dress Code?

Business casual.

Are Meals Provided?

Yes. A continental breakfast and networking lunch are provided for all judges. It's anticipated that lunch will be provided by the In-N-Out Burger truck, which includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers and vegetarian sandwiches. Project ECHO recommends bringing a lunch if a different menu is preferred.

What is the Event Schedule?

Tentatively scheduled as:

8:00–9:00 AM: Judges’ networking and continental breakfast
9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Team presentations
12:00–1:15 PM: Judges’ lunch & deliberations
1:30 PM: Winners and finalists announced
- Finalists presentations (top 7 teams)
3:00 PM: Award Ceremony and closing remarks

Where is the Event Held?

CSU, Dominguez Hills in Carson, Ca
Parking: Lot 2, directly off Victoria

What Else Should I Prepare For?

Judges are encouraged to preview past winning pitch videos on the Project ECHO website.
Volunteer bios and photos may be requested for event programs.

How Else Can I Support Project ECHO?

Become an event sponsor or purchase a program ad to support student participation.
Donate items for student gift bags.
Recruit additional volunteer judges for future competitions.
SUPERSIZE YOUR SUPPORT AND BECOME A VIP JUDGE!