About The Program
Application
Applications for The 2027 Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition will be coming soon, please email [email protected] if you have any questions on applying or the event and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Cost
Free
Course Breakdown
5+ weeks of coaching and mentoring sessions with The Hill Institute team and our Entrepreneur in Residence.
The 2027 Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition: Thursday, April 8, 2027 from 4-5:30pm
Description
The Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition, established in 2019 is entering its 8th year here at Furman University. This exciting event showcases the innovative ideas of four student finalists who will pitch their new venture ideas to a panel of judges and a diverse audience of students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders. We have seen a vast variety of ventures grace the competition stage, from sustainable musical reeds, AI focused data analytic platforms to custom jewelry, our student ventures have it all!
Students compete to take home the $10,000 Johnny Flynn Award to support launching their entrepreneurial venture and other prizes to help fund their startup. With a focus on creativity and entrepreneurship, the event helps fuel the translation of innovative ideas into action. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in presenting their ideas, networking, and building confidence in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
- If interested in competing in our Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition, we encourage you to participate in Furman’s Next Big Idea Competition, designed to foster innovation through ideation.
Benefits
- Winning up to $10,000 in grants and resources
- Building a Successful Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Ideation and Design Thinking Principles
- Creating and Executing a Winning Business Model
- Capital Breakdown
- Developing a Pitch Deck
Requirements
- Must be a full-time Furman student
- Must have an idea you are interested in pursuing
Typical Careers of Interest
- This competition is designed for students interested in pursuing their idea by pitching live for a chance to win cash, grants and resources towards their ventures.
Jackson Price ‘25
Founder, Goldrush Energy
Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition Winner 2025
Major : Business Administration | Finance and Entrepreneurship Tracks
“The program was super beneficial for kickstarting my venture and turning it from idea to reality. It empowered me not only financially but provided me with coaching to help me refine my pitch and put me in the best position to win the competition and launch GoldRush Energy.”
Spencer Tate '24
Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition Winner ’23
Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition Finalist ’22
Major : Business Administration | Minor : Data Analytics
“The Hill Institute allowed me to collaborate with mentors in the Greenville community. In addition, it opened up my perspective on how to approach a problem from first principles. At the core, The Hill Institute has provided a great support system for me to push towards my goals.”
Alexa Valdovinos '25
Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition Winner ’22
Founder, CEO; MonteValle
Majors: Business Administration & Sustainability
- Created with sustainability and a passion for music at its core, MonteValle designs sustainable reeds for musicians. Alexa launched MonteValle in Spring 2025.
“The Paladin Pitch Competition allowed me to advance my entrepreneurial and public speaking skills while connecting with mentors who shaped my journey towards success in the start-up world.”
Aubrey Zoodsma '26
Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition Finalist ’23
Founder, CEO; Astrea
Major : Business Administration | Entrepreneurship Track
- Astrea is a custom jewelry company designed for Panhellenic sororities. Starting with tennis-style bracelets, set with colored stones to match your sisterhood’s colors and charm. Aubrey launched her venture in Spring 2024.
“If I had to define what “Furman Advantage” is, I’d say The Paladin Pitch Competition and The Hill Institute are it exactly! I’ve learned so much from the awesome people at The Hill Institute and achieved my dream of being a business owner with their help. Participating in the Paladin Pitch was one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I’m forever grateful for the impact it and the people have had on my life while doing it”
Ivan Agyaakwah '25
Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition Finalist ’23
Founder, CEO; CollegeCoach
Major : Business Administration
- Connecting college and professional athletes with local aspiring soccer players to provide small group and one-to-one coaching and mentoring to increase homegrown soccer talent. Ivan is currently piloting his venture.
“The Paladin Pitch Competition allowed me to advance my entrepreneurial and public speaking skills while connecting with mentors who shaped my journey towards success in the start-up world”.
Have an idea, but not sure where to start?
FAQs
Absolutely not, Paladin Pitch is open and encouraged for all majors! In fact, we students from biology, business, communication studies and sustainability, just to name a few, in addition to business.
When applications open, we recommend you take your time filling out the forms; additionally, we encourage you to meet with our team if you are interested in learning more or expanding upon an idea.
If able, participating in a mini pitch competition is one of the best things you can do to practice for your application/interview – our team is happy to prep you and you can even win $500 towards your next idea!
To schedule a meeting with our team, use the link above!
We recommend you include, your idea, business plan (this does not have to be finalized) as well as a presentation or pitch deck. If you meet with our team beforehand, we are happy to help you with these steps!