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Rules and Eligibility

The Flyer Pitch Competition is open to all University of Dayton faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the Greater Dayton region. Diverse (functional, cultural, education, etc.) entrepreneurial teams are encouraged to participate (ranging from 1-8 individuals). Applicants self-select into competition tracks (Tech, Main St, Nonprofit); however, competition organizers reserve the right to adjust track entry as appropriate. Each team may compete in ONLY one competition track. 

  • Students currently under university disciplinary suspension are ineligible for the competition.

  • If the submission involves an existing venture, the date of incorporation, venture launch, or date of first sale MUST be within 36 months of submission date. Researching the business and discussing it with others are not generally considered major startup events. Exceptions are made for nonprofit track submissions in which the idea for a new project being submitted cannot be older than 36 months (the nonprofit org can be older than the 36 month rule).

  • An individual may be a member of a maximum of two (2) competition entries (judged separately on each) but may only be on one (1) finalist team.

  • By entering the Flyer Pitch Competition, participants acknowledge that funds awarded by the competition are intended for the purposes of funding the business concept entered and will be allocated equally across team members unless otherwise agreed up by all team members. Prize package money will be awarded to the company or nonprofit unless otherwise specified.

  • By entering the Flyer Pitch Competition, applicants agree to allow the University of Dayton to use their application materials, photos, likenesses, and presentations to market, promote, and provide information about the competition.

  • By entering the Flyer Pitch Competition, participants acknowledge that they must conform to the technology specifications detailed by the competition for the submission of competition materials (e.g., PowerPoint, document, etc. submissions). Further, while the competition will work to ensure proper technology functioning throughout the competition, we do not guarantee it.

  • Any submission that is deemed discriminatory in nature will be automatically disqualified. 

  • Participants advancing to Round 2 must include a student, faculty, staff, or alumni of UD.

Project and Idea Eligibility Guidelines

The competition organizers reserve the right to disqualify business plans that fail to adhere to competition rules or are inconsistent with the values and mission of the University of Dayton as a Catholic institution of higher education. The following guidelines were created to clarify what is and is not acceptable for the competition. Each entry is vetted by members of the competition eligibility committee, who make the final determination whether or not the entry meets acceptable guidelines.

  • All work must be the original work of the applicants--proposals and plans that- constitute “academic dishonesty” will be disqualified even if discovered after the competition ends.

  • All plans must be based on a legitimate business enterprise--ventures that involve breaking the law as part of their business model are prohibited (e.g., music piracy).

  • Plans or any venture that requires a liquor license to be legal, or whose primary purpose is the promotion or sale of alcohol or illegal drugs, is prohibited. Plans that conflict with University values are prohibited, including but not limited to the following: 

    • Payday loan/check cashing companies

    • Gambling

    • Events/activities featuring violence

    • Pornography

  • All applicants must be startup focused; purchasing a current venture, including business opportunities and franchises, are ineligible for the competition. 

  • Plans involving pyramid-based marketing are prohibited.

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