My Purpose Pitch Journey

Close-up of twin screens displaying the title “9th Annual Purpose Pitch” with sponsor logos, behind an empty podium.

DePaul hosted its 9th annual Purpose Pitch this year, and not only did I get to attend, I was one of the student finalists. Now this didn’t happen overnight. Being an entrepreneurship major means I have a lot of business ideas floating around my head at all times. Luckily at DePaul that’s okay and there are a ton of resources to try out these ideas and get real time feedback.

One idea I have been working with for a while is a redesign of the slow feed dog bowl. Using IRL I have made a few prototypes. Also, all my business classes have given me the tools to do very thorough market research. The best way though to see if a business idea has any traction is to get it in front of people.

And that opportunity came around last year when I participated in the Student Innovation Expo hosted by the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center. Students get to pitch their business ideas, expo style, to classmates, community members, professors, and staff. It really solidified for me that this idea could go somewhere.

The behind of a person's head is in view as the picture includes Sienna talking while holding a white plastic object.

A view of a modern conference room with rows of white chairs and attendees arriving for the 9th Annual Purpose Pitch event at DePaul University.

Throughout this year, between classes, internships, and life, I worked on finalizing a prototype and really creating a thought out business plan. I knew I was ready for the next step, but that also would require capital (aka money).

The Purpose Pitch

That’s where the Purpose Pitch comes into play. Students and alumni pitch their business in front of judges to earn real money. Think Shark Tank, but a lot more friendly. Now I was a little nervous and didn’t even know if my business would qualify, as the business had to be not only profit driven, but purpose driven too. So I met up with one of my professors to discuss it and walk through the application and details. I realized that my business would qualify since, I am planning to team up with shelters to give monetary donations, a match for match dog bowl system, and feature adoptable dogs on our web page.

Then it was time to submit. After a couple anxious weeks where I didn’t know if I had gotten in, I got the email! I was one of 4 students selected to participate in the student section of the Purpose Pitch. It was go time. Getting my slides done, practicing to be under 3 minutes, and thinking of all the possible questions they could ask me. Thank goodness for a practice round the week before, where we all got to try out our pitches and receive much needed feedback.

Then it was show time. This year it was hosted at TechNexus, which is above the Lyric Opera House. If you’re as surprised as I am that there is a whole coworking office above the opera house, so was I. There was of course some networking beforehand, and while I felt my nerves starting to climb, luckily not only my mom could come with me, but friends too. I got on stage and pitched my heart out. The time went by in a blur, but my mom recorded it so I could watch it later.

A student presenting on stage with a microphone, showing slides about slow feed dog bowls during the Purpose Pitch event.

Finalists standing on stage holding certificates at the Purpose Pitch awards ceremony, as the host speaks at the podium.

Overall, I placed 3rd, but the position wasn’t really the whole point. I got to practice pitching, showcase my idea, and get my name out there. I received so much helpful feedback from people. I also made some great new connections. I’m really glad I did apply. As a student, having the opportunity to get my feet wet in pitching a business is so crucial. I really enjoyed attending and participating in the 9th Annual Purpose Pitch.

~Sienna

My Purpose Pitch Journey

The Purpose Pitch

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