Pitch Day Volunteers
Pitch Day is an opportunity for students to give a brief “elevator pitch” of their business idea to a panel of professionals. Students are given the hypothetical scenario that they are in an elevator with potential investors and they only have the time it takes to ride an elevator to sell their idea. NFTE volunteers ask questions and offer constructive suggestions to the students. Each student has 1 minute to pitch his/her idea, which is then followed by questions from the volunteers. Pitch Day is a critical component of the NFTE experience. It gives students the opportunity to practice public speaking and teaches them the importance of selling their ideas.
Time Commitment: One visit per semester, time frame contingent upon number of students (average 1-3 hours).
Business Plan Coaching
Volunteers may choose to serve as in-class advisors to individual and small groups of students working on their business plans. Coaching has a profound impact on student success and NFTE business formation rates jump from 14% to 30% when students are coupled with business plan coaches.
Time Commitment: Four, hour-long visits spent with students and teacher, at their specific school.
In-Class Business Plan Competition Judges
The NFTE program culminates with each student presenting a business plan. A panel of business leaders judge the business plans at a school-based business plan competition.
Time Commitment: Ninety minutes per competition typically, held twice a year (January and May).
Guest Speaking
There are many opportunities to guest speak or teach a lesson on topics such as supply and demand, record keeping, marketing, brainstorming business ideas, income statements, getting started (financing), or industry-specific topics. Or just come and share your experience and lessons you’ve learned.
Time Commitment: About 1 hour per session.
