The Zingale Big Idea Competition focuses on seed-level new business ideas. The Annual Competition awards a total of over $40,000 in prize money among the student winners each April. This contest emulate the experiences seen on the popular CNBC broadcast, Shark Tank, but with a heart. Unlike Shark Tank, the Zingale Big Idea distinguished panel of judges do more than evaluate business models – they offer constructive feedback, coaching and encouragement.
The 2027 Zingale Big Idea Competition will be held on April 8, 9 & 10
Competition Schedule:
- April 8: Rehearsals
- April 9: Preliminary Round Competition
- April 10: Finalists Compete, Winner Announced
The final Preliminary Round Schedule will be issued the week of April 5
How can you participate?
Workshops are scheduled to help participants prepare for the competition. Those interested in competing in the Zingale Big Idea Competition and/or attend the workshops should contact Entrepreneur in Residence, Professor Chris Allison at callison@allegheny.edu.
Please note: Up-and-running small businesses with revenue are not eligible for the competition.
Question: How are presentations judged? Answer: Click here for Judges Scoring Sheet
Workshop Slides
- Download Week #1 Slides: Finding A Relevant Problem to Solve
- Download Week #2 Slides: Creating A Big Idea To Solve The Problem
- Download Week #3 Slides: Marketing Your Big Idea
- Download Week #4 Slides: Developing Your Big Idea’s Financial Plan
- Download Week #5 Slides: The Pitch
Working with your team, you’ll develop a presentation using the 10-20-30 Rule; that is, you’ll prepare 10 Powerpoint slides for a pitch that is 20 minutes long, using text no smaller than 30-point type on each slide. Here are the templates that you can use to complete prior to your presentation. You are not required to use the templates. They are there as helpful tools.
Zingale Big Idea Competition ’20 – 1 Year Financial Plan Template
Zingale Big Idea Competition ’20 – 3 Year Financial Plan Template
Zingale Big Idea Competition ’20 – Annual Revenue Worksheet
Zingale Big Idea Competition ’20 – Monthly Expense Worksheet
Zingale Big Idea Competition ’20 – Startup Cost Estimator
Zingale Big Idea Competition ’20 – Presentation Template
The Zingale Big Idea Competition has been made possible through the generous support of Lance & Karen Zingale.
Zingale Big Idea Competition in the news:
2025: Annual Zingale Big Idea Competition Returns to Allegheny College With $30,000 In Prize Money