1A-Accelerator Program
Mini Pitches — $500 in Prizes!
What are Mini Pitches?
Mini Pitches are one-hour training sessions focused on key entrepreneurial skills like marketing tactics, elevator pitches, startup frameworks, and HR essentials. Each session wraps up with a 1-minute pitch competition related to the day’s topic — and yes, there are $500 prizes on the line!
Who can participate?
Any student entrepreneur or entrepreneurship team is welcome to join — no matter what stage you’re at. To stay in the loop, sign up for our email list.
Wind for Sails — $1,000 Growth Grants
Accelerate your startup’s momentum with Wind for Sails, a competitive grant program awarding 20 cash prizes of $1,000. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!
Eligibility:
Open to any student who participated in Aman Pirate Challenge Round 1 (Fall ‘24) or any of our Mini Pitch competitions.
Funding for Pitch Travel
Selected APC student teams can apply for travel funding to attend national and international pitch competitions. Past events have included:
- TCU Values and Ventures
- E-Fest
- Hult Prize
- Chuck McDowell Student Venture Competition
- WBENC Pitch
These opportunities allow students to showcase their ventures alongside top collegiate teams from around the world.
Coaching & Mentoring
APC Finalist Mentorship
Students advancing to the APC finals will be paired with an experienced mentor focused on fast-tracking their business development and gaining traction. Mentors include:
- Professional consultants
- Serial entrepreneurs
- Leadership coaches
- Startup ecosystem experts
Mentorship for All
All APC participants — regardless of their stage — can request a mentor. We’re proud to have a strong network of alumni and professional mentors ready to support your journey.
Strategic Planning Retreat
After the APC finals, students, mentors, and facilitators come together for a multi-day off-site strategy session. This retreat is designed to help teams set clear goals and strategic direction for their ventures moving forward.