MBA alum and former Dingman Scholar Matt Fleischer put passion into promise to create a successful beer company Zoey Rawlins, founder of Shop DC and former Dingman Scholar, launched her business by following trends in the marketplace Run by students, The Smith Store offers promotional branded apparel, accessories and gifts The Dingman Center supports entrepreneurs throughout the Washington D.C. Metro Area and beyond The Dingman Center is located at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland

Pitch Dingman Overview

Making Your Passion Work for You

Overview  ♦  How to Pitch  ♦  Preparing a Pitch  ♦  Past Winners  ♦  FAQ

"It can be intimidating trying to figure out how to bring an idea to reality. The Dingman Center was extremely helpful throughout this process."
                                                      - UMD Undergrad and Pitch Participant, Erik Pedley

Have a great idea for a business? Want to find out what the experts think of it? Every Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., the Dingman Center team makes itself available to hear and evaluate new business ideas. Students give a 5- to 8-minute “pitch” or persuasive overview of their idea to successful entrepreneurs who review and assess the idea using The Dingman Process.  Up to $500 may be awarded weekly.

This is a risk-free opportunity to develop your business idea and get important feedback on the viability of your business concept. Even better, the Dingman Center shows students with strong proposals how to expand and refine their idea into a potential business. Pitch Dingman is an excellent introduction to the wide networking and support services the Dingman Center delivers to the UMD community. PLUS, students become eligible to compete for $2,500 in the monthly Pitch Dingman Competition!

Additionally, students demonstrating the highest level of commitment and drive to start their own business may apply for incubation support from the Dingman Center. Students chosen to incubate their start-up at the Dingman Center are eligible to receive funding from the Smith E-Fund, which is a $175,000 evergreen fund.

Learn why this Entrepreneur-in-Residence gets a kick out of mentoring young entrepreneurs.