How to organise an entrepreneur competition

An entrepreneur competition needs a clear structure before you open registration. Decide the format, judging criteria and pitch limits first, then recruit the jury and publish the participant terms. Once registrations close, confirm the finalists, collect dietary requirements and request pitch files early. The final week is about removing uncertainty: check the venue and equipment, set the presentation order, brief the jury and prepare a timed run sheet for the event day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Set the competition format
2 people
2
Approach jury members
3
Publish participant terms
4
Open the registration form
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Publish promotional materials
2 people
7
Process registrations
8
Confirm participants
9
Collect dietary requirements
10
Request pitch files
11
Set up jury criteria
3 people
12
Send the jury briefing
13
Carry out a site visit
2 people
14
Make reservations
15
Order catering
16
Test the equipment
2 people
17
Print the run sheet
18
Send participant information
19
Prepare name badges
2 people
20
Print the jury forms
21
Do the shopping
2 people
22
Chill drinks
2 people
23
Collect pitch files
2 people
24
Set the presentation order
2 people
25
Prepare presentation laptop
26
Set up tables
3 people
27
Set up chairs
3 people
28
Set up registration desk
2 people
29
Set up judges' table
2 people
30
Set up the presentation area
2 people
31
Set up projector and screen
2 people
32
Connect microphones
2 people
33
Test sound level
2 people
34
Set up lighting and signage
2 people
35
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
36
Prepare snacks
3 people
37
Lay out welcome packs
2 people
38
Brief the registration team
2 people

Event

39
Receive the jury
2 people
40
Register participants
3 people
41
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
42
Host the opening
43
Explain the competition rules
44
Facilitate pitch rounds
2 people
45
Keep track of pitch time
46
Play presentations technically
47
Hand out judging forms
48
Refill drinks
2 people
49
Refill snacks
2 people
50
Lead the networking break
2 people
51
Facilitate the jury meeting
2 people
52
Open the buffet
2 people
53
Restock the buffet
2 people
54
Serve diet meals
2 people
55
Announce finalists
56
Guide the final pitches
2 people
57
Announce the winner
58
Present prizes
2 people
59
Host the networking drinks reception
2 people
60
Serve the last round
2 people
61
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

62
Collect waste
3 people
63
Collect tableware
3 people
64
Clear buffet
3 people
65
Switch off equipment
2 people
66
Pack up cables and equipment
2 people
67
Put furniture back
4 people
68
Clean the venue
4 people
69
Collect lost and found items
70
Inventory materials
2 people
71
Return borrowed items
2 people
72
Store leftover catering
2 people
73
Send thank-you message to participants
74
Send thank-you message to the jury
75
Notify the prize winner
76
Archive photos and results

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 90
Jury tablesqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 100
Dessert platesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 90
Drinking glassesqty 120
Wine glassesqty 100
Coffee spoonsqty 90
Tablespoonsqty 100
Forksqty 100
Knivesqty 100

Equipment

Presentation laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Audio mixer
Speakersqty 2
HDMI cablesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Presentation clickerqty 2
Laptop speakers
Stopwatchesqty 3
Power banksqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef demo knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4

Decorations

Name badgesqty 100
Name badge holdersqty 100
Tableclothsqty 12
Competition postersqty 8
Direction signsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Stage signsqty 3
Prize boxesqty 3

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Office

Jury formsqty 100
Clipboardsqty 10
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Notepadsqty 30
Printer paperqty 2
A4 foldersqty 10
Table numbersqty 12
Tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Markersqty 24
Envelopesqty 20
Prize certificatesqty 3

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand sanitizerqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before promoting the competition. Define the number of participants, pitch length, question time and judging criteria so applicants know exactly what they are entering.
Recruit and brief the jury early. Send the jury briefing and scoring forms at least 7 days before the event, including the criteria, timetable and how ties will be handled.
Close the technical loop before event day. Test the presentation laptop, projector, screen, microphones, speakers, HDMI cables and power supplies at the venue, then collect every pitch file in one folder.
Set the running order as soon as the final participants are confirmed. Share arrival times, presentation limits and file requirements with participants, and keep a printed run sheet for the host and technical operator.
Plan hospitality around the programme rather than guessing on the day. Confirm dietary requirements after registration, chill drinks in advance, and check that plates, glasses, coffee equipment and serving items match the expected attendance.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an entrepreneur competition?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. That gives you time to set the format, recruit jury members, publish the terms, open registration, confirm participants and complete a venue and equipment check.
How long should each entrepreneur pitch be?: Choose one fixed pitch length and publish it in the participant terms; 5 to 10 minutes is a practical range for a competition with several entrants. Add a separate question period and use stopwatches so every participant receives the same amount of time.
When should I collect pitch files from participants?: Request the files at least 5 working days before the event, with a final deadline 48 hours before the first pitch. Test the files on the presentation laptop and keep a backup copy on a second device or power bank-supported setup.
What should I send to the jury before the competition?: Send the jury briefing, scoring criteria, jury forms, participant list and full run sheet at least 7 days in advance. Include the arrival time, judging process and any planned breaks so the jury can identify questions before the event.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.