Build the idea. Find your path.
A simple home for the help students and the adults supporting them may want — from a first idea to event night. Just the essentials, nothing to wade through.
Why Venture Fest exists
A short hello from Katie Milton Jordan on what this night is really about, who it's for, and what your student can expect — before you read another thing.
Two ways to take part
Every registered student participates. Stage slots are limited.Stage Pitch
Present a business idea — or a business you already run — to a real audience and judges, using a short, practical, investor-style business story.
Student Business Showcase
Show and explain your idea with a poster, sample, prototype, or tri-fold — and answer questions. Recognized, not judged. Grades 3–8 have an adult with them.
The resources
Tap any one to open it.
01
Start Here
Find your path in about a minute.
Students & families
If you're a student in grades 3–12 with an idea, an interest, a talent, or a little business you're already running — this is for you.
Raise your hand
Fill out the short interest form. A parent, guardian, teacher, or supporting adult should submit for anyone under 18.
Donna reaches out
Someone from the team follows up with next steps and helps your student find their path — no going it alone.
Prepare with one simple guide
You'll use the One-Page Pitch Planner below — four questions that turn an idea into a clear pitch. That's the honest minimum.
02
The One-Page Pitch Planner
Four questions. One clear pitch. (Same four the judges use.)
Students
Answer these four questions and you have the honest bones of a Venture Fest pitch. Fill it in here, or print it and write on it.
1 Who is your customer, and what problem do you solve?
Who is this for? What do they struggle with, or wish were better? Be specific — "busy moms in Mason" beats "everybody."
2 What's your idea — and why is it better?
What is your product or service? Why would someone choose it instead of doing nothing, or using what already exists?
3 How do you know someone wants it?
Your proof. Sold any? Talked to customers? Pre-orders, a waitlist, survey answers, repeat buyers? Even one real example counts.
4 How does it make money — and what's your next step?
What do you charge, what does it cost you, and what's left over (your profit)? Then: the one thing you'd do next to grow.
How the judges will look at your pitch
Judges aren't grading how smoothly you speak. They're asking: "Do I understand this business well enough to believe in it?" It's the same four questions you just answered.
| What they listen for | Comes from | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Customer problem | Question 1 | 15 |
| Solution & value | Question 2 | 20 |
| Customer & market proof | Question 3 | 15 |
| Business model & numbers | Question 4 (the money) | 25 |
| Feasibility & next step | Question 4 (next step) + readiness | 25 |
| Total | 100 |
03
What to Expect on Event Night
Logistics, what to bring, and who to ask for help.
Students & families
Here's what the evening looks like so you can walk in relaxed. A few final times and details will be confirmed closer to the event — we'll email everyone who registers.
Arrive & check in
Come to the Odeon Theater in Mason on Thursday, October 1. Check in when you arrive so we know you're here and can point you to the right place. (Exact arrival time confirmed closer to the event.)
Take your path
Stage pitchers present in a random order — about three minutes, plus a few friendly questions from the judges. Showcase students set up at a table and share their idea with people as they come by.
Celebrate together
Every student is recognized, and we close the night together. Awards and any prizes are announced at the event as sponsorships are finalized.
What to bring
Stage pitch: your prepared 3-minute pitch (the Pitch Planner above is all you need). A short, simple slide deck is optional — presentations are projected using PowerPoint, so keep slides readable and easy to advance, and make sure your pitch still works even if the slides are simplified.
Student Business Showcase: whatever helps you show your idea — a poster, product sample, prototype, demo, tablet, tri-fold board, or handouts.
A few good-to-knows about the space
- The Odeon is a historic theater; the stage steps can be a little steep. If anyone on your team needs help getting on or off stage, tell Donna or Katie early and we'll make it easy.
- The theater has microphones for presenters; final mic details depend on how many teams pitch.
- Need any accessibility or sensory accommodation? Email donna@thetownie.ai and we'll take care of it privately.
Final schedule, doors time, and reception details will be confirmed by email before the event.
04
Parent Quick-Start & Permission
Your role in one page, plus how to register your student.
Parents & guardians
What we ask of you
- Submit the interest form for your student (anyone under 18 needs an adult to register them).
- Encourage, don't take over. The best help is asking questions and cheering — the idea and the pitch should stay theirs.
- Be there if they're in grades 3–8. Younger students need a parent, guardian, or supporting adult with them at the Showcase.
The honest basics
Questions? Email donna@thetownie.ai — Donna is your direct contact.
05
How to Mentor a Student
For business owners: help in one conversation, within clear limits.
Business mentors
Thinking of helping a young entrepreneur? Here's the whole ask — no ongoing commitment, no sponsorship expectation.
- One conversation — in person, by phone, or over Zoom.
- Keep it practical — the customer, whether the numbers work, and the next step.
- Meet in a public place, with a parent involved.
- No strings — you're always free to say "not this time."
Know someone who'd be great? Send them the invite:
06
Forward to a Family
One page to share. Open the door — Donna handles the next steps.
Teachers & youth leaders
Know a student who'd love this? Copy a ready-to-go invite and send it however you like.
Ready to raise your hand?
Fill out the short interest form. A parent, guardian, teacher, or supporting adult should submit for anyone under 18.
Questions? Email donna@thetownie.ai