A MCSD Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
Presented by Muscogee County School District, StartUP Columbus, and D. Abbott Turner College of Business and Technology at Columbus State University.
Mark your calendars for April 17, 2027 for SHINE!
Witness the culmination of months of hard work and dedication as students from the Muscogee County School District go head-to-head in the 'SHINE' entrepreneurship pitch competition. These aspiring entrepreneurs will deliver compelling business pitches in a high-stakes contest for a chance at a prize to fuel their startup dreams!
What to Expect
Get ready for a day brimming with inspiration, innovation, and community spirit at the SHINE Final Competition on April 17, 2026. This event will showcase the culmination of months of dedication and creativity from students within the Muscogee County School District as they present their entrepreneurial ideas in a vibrant pitch competition. From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation.
As the finalists take the stage, you'll witness firsthand the passion and ingenuity of these young entrepreneurs as they share their compelling business pitches with a panel of esteemed judges. Each presentation is a testament to their hard work
Event Details
WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2025
WHAT TIME: COMING SOON
WHERE: COMING SOON
Rules and Regulations
Click below for the complete list of rules and regulations for SHINE 2026-2027
About
SHINE
SHINE (Supporting Highly Innovative and New Entrepreneurs) is an annual pitch competition for high school students within the Muscogee County School District. Designed to foster entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, SHINE provides students with the resources, mentorship, and support needed to develop and pitch their innovative business ideas. Through a series of workshops and one-on-one mentoring, students learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, from ideation to execution, culminating in a final pitch competition where they can win funding for their business ventures.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to support and witness the future of entrepreneurship in our community!.
Important Dates
October 2 – First submission deadline by 11:59 PM.
October 8 – SHINE participants are selected and notified. Workbooks Sent.
October 21 – Workshop #1 - How Startups Start Out | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
November 4 – Workshop #2 - Business Model Canvas Workshop | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
November 18 – Workshop #3 - Emerging Entrepreneur Workshop | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
December 2 – Workshop #4 - Pitch Prep Workshop | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
December 11 – Second submission deadline by 11:59 PM.
December 18 – SHINE Semi-Finalists selected.
January 4 - January 8 – Seed Money distributed to Semi-Finalists.
Month of January – 1-on-1 meetings with Advisor.
January through March – Semi-Finalists run their business.
March 15 through March 19 – Semi-Finalists Pitch to their school.
March 19 – Finalists are selected.
April 1 – Workshop for Finalists.
April 17 – Finalists SHINE Competition!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 MCSD Shine partners!
Hear from last Year’s Shine Winner!
Andrew Hughes, Wall-Pal.
Meet Andrew Hughes, founder of Wall-Pal and winner of the 2025-2026 SHINE Pitch Competition. Wall-Pal is a wall-mounted swing-arm system designed to organize and position cords, hoses, and reels while keeping workspaces safer and more efficient. Built for durability and versatility, Andrew’s design can support a wide range of users, from garages and workshops to contractors, creatives, and DIY enthusiasts.