Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge
You see opportunities. You have ideas that could make an impact. And you’re smart enough to know that you can’t do it all by yourself. We can start you on your entrepreneurial journey at the Miller School of Entrepreneurship.
Thanks to a transformational gift from the Aman Family, the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge has been renamed the Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge.
The Aman Pirate Challenge (APC) is the Miller School’s signature business pitch competition. Since its inception, the APC has featured student-led teams representing more than 50 degrees and numerous ECU colleges and schools.
The APC is the signature pitch competition in the Miller School. It has played a significant role in the Miller School being ranked in the Princeton Review’s Top Entrepreneurial programs for the past five years.
Since 2018, the APC has awarded more than $900,000 in cash and prizes, making the APC the richest entrepreneurship pitch competition in North Carolina.
This year’s APC will feature more than $200,000 in cash and prizes!
Round 1:
Date/Time: Oct. 22, 2024, 12 – 2 p.m. (Rain Date 10/22)
Location: ECU main campus mall
Round 2:
Date/Time: Feb. 4, 2025, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Round 3:
Date/Time: April 15, 2025, 6 – 8:30 pm.
Location: TBD
Classes for APC Registrants & Open to All ECU Students (via WebEx)
Persistence and Resilience
Dr. Joy Karriker and Mr. David Mayo teach theory and practice for becoming lifelong, successful entrepreneurs.
Recording Link: Persistence and Resilience Recording
Password: KnXxdb*2
Creating the Best Pitch Video
Mr. Rich Klindworth from ECU News Services teaches how to create the best 3-5 minute video for the APC first round.
Recording Link: Creating the Best Pitch Video Recording
Password: Nbp4JQh$
Create a Clear and Compelling Elevator Pitch
Miller School Entrepreneurs-in-Residence teach how to create a 30-second elevator pitch to quickly communicate the business’s value to stakeholders.
Create a Clear and Compelling Elevator Pitch Slideshow (PDF)
Tips from the Winner’s Circle
Former APC winners provide tips on how to win the challenge.
Recording Link: Tips from the Winner’s Circle Recording
Password: jPhdgh7*