Background hero image for blog post: $Boston area high school students, pitch your business idea for a chance to win $10,000!

Treat Yourself

Boston area high school students, pitch your business idea for a chance to win $10,000!

By Team Fetch

April 1, 2024

Fetch and our Founder & CEO Wes Schroll invite you to our first ever Defeat the Odds High School Pitch Competition. Boston area students have the chance to win up to $10K in prize money, plus valuable 1:1 mentorship opportunities with Wes.

All applicants will be invited to join our Meet the Founder Session with Wes Schroll on June 26 on Zoom!

WHAT IS THE DEFEAT THE ODDS PITCH COMPETITION?

The Defeat the Odds Pitch Competition is a platform for high school aged entrepreneurs to share their business ideas for the chance to pitch to a panel of judges and win a cash prize. The competition is designed to give students hands-on learning experiences including honing pitch skills, thinking critically about business models and harnessing innovation.

In addition to the opportunity to win a cash prize, all participants are invited to a virtual Meet the Founder session with Wes Schroll to learn more about how he defeated the odds to build a successful tech unicorn now known as Fetch – America’s Rewards App. Pitch Finalists will receive mentorship from Fetch and the Suffolk University Center for Entrepreneurship to help them prepare for their live pitch on the main stage at StartUp Boston week.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

Boston area high school students in grades 9-12 and 2024 high school graduates (incoming college freshman) are invited to participate*
Participants must be at least 13 years of age at the time of submission
Pitch applications can include up to 3 members maximum

* Subject to acceptance of official rules

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, complete the below online application by Friday, July 19. The application will ask you for info about your business idea, the problem you’re solving and your business model. You’ll also be required to upload a pitch video that’s three minutes or shorter.

Heads up: You won’t be able to save and return to your application, so have your information and video ready when you apply.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

If your application is selected, you’ll be asked to pitch virtually on July 29-30 to determine our finalists. Finalists will pitch to a panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders onstage at StartUp Boston Week on September 12 for a chance at the $10,000 first place prize!

Each finalist will receive personalized pitch coaching from Fetch and Suffolk University Entrepreneurship Center staff to get you ready for the main stage.