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 18, 2026 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 18, 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 18, 2025
WHAT TIME: COMING SOON
WHERE: COMING SOON
Rules and Regulations
Click below for the complete list of rules and regulations for SHINE 2025-2026
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
September 26 – First submission deadline by 11:59 PM.
October 6 – SHINE participants are selected and notified. Workbooks Sent.
October 29 – Workshop #1 - How Startups Start Out | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
November 5 – Workshop #2 - Business Model Canvas Workshop | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
November 12 – Workshop #3 - Emerging Entrepreneur Workshop | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
November 19 – Workshop #4 - Pitch Prep Workshop | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
December 10 – Second submission deadline by 11:59 PM.
December 17 – SHINE Semi-Finalists selected.
January 6 - January 9 – Seed Money distributed to Semi-Finalists.
Month of January – 1-on-1 meetings with Advisor.
January through March – Semi-Finalists run their business.
March 16 through March 20 – Semi-Finalists Pitch to their school.
March 20 – Finalists are selected.
April 8 – Workshop for Finalists.
April 18 – Finalists SHINE Competition!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 MCSD Shine partners!
Hear from last Year’s Shine Winner!
Indy’ia Benyound, IndyTheBraider.
Meet Indy’ia Benyoun, owner of IndyTheBraider and winner of the 2024-2025 SHINE Pitch Competition. IndyTheBraider provides creative, high-quality hair braiding for clients across the Chattahoochee Valley. Known for unique designs, efficient service, and strong client relationships, Indy’ia blends style and entrepreneurship while inspiring other young innovators in her community.