Dragon Lair Business Plan Pitch Competition

Dragon Lair is Minnesota State University Moorhead's regional business pitch competition, bringing together student entrepreneurs, judges, and community members. Teams of 1–3 students step into the spotlight to present business ideas to top regional business leaders for a chance to win a share of $5,000 in cash prizes.

Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
  • Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Accommodations: Complimentary will be lunch provided for all participants following presentations
  • Location: Barry Auditorium, Christianson Alumni Center
    707 11th St S, Moorhead, MN
  • Admission: Admission is free and open to the public.
    No tickets or registration is required for spectators

Rules & Regulations

  • Open to all college and university students across the region
  • Teams can consist of 1 to 3 students
  • Business concepts must be pre-revenue (concept, prototype, or early launch)
  • Pitches will be limited to six minutes, with four minutes allotted for questions and answers with judges
  • Teams are allowed to use visual aides to elevate their pitches

To compete, register your team by completing the entry form by Friday, October 18. After the October 18 deadline, organizers will review all registrations. Teams that meet requirements and show strong potential will be invited to present on November 17.

Register Your Team

Prizes

$3,500

Top Finishing Presenter

The top finishing presenter will earn a prize of $3,500

$1,500

Second Highest Presenter

The second highest scoring presenter will earn a prize of $1,500

$500

Third Highest Presenter

The third highest scoring presenter will earn a prize of $500

Judgement Criteria

Judges will evaluate pitches on a 30 point rubric across six categories worth a maximum of five points each:

  1. Problem Identification: Clearly defined problem or pain point
  2. Customer & Market Fit: Target market and customer validation
  3. Solution & Value Proposition: Unique value proposition and operational execution
  4. Business Plan & Feasibility: Basic revenue model and cost structure
  5. Traction & Progress: Early milestones, prototypes, or user feedback demonstrating momentum
  6. Presentation & Communication: Clear, engaging pitch delivery and responsive Q&A handling

Tie-breaker: Presentation score, then judge deliberation

Dragon Lair Business Plan Pitch Competition graphic

Contact Us

directory photo
Siwei Zhu, PhD, MSc, BS
Associate Professor
Paseka School of Business
Send Email | Phone: 218.477.4512218.477.4512 | Mobile: 551.580.6257551.580.6257
CB 207Q
Siwei holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship from Stevens Institute of Technology, an MS in Management Information System from New...

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Dragon Lair program brochure sitting on a table
Student presenter giving their business pitch
Audience listening to presenter
Three student presenters in front of red background with white logos
Group of student presenters at the Dragon Lair competition
Three student presenters with various faculty and Scorch
Student giving business pitch at the Dragon Lair competition
Dragon Lair first prize winner with $3,500 check
College dean with student presenter and Scorch
Student sitting at table looking at Dragon Lair brochure
Student presenter looking at a person in the crowd while giving business pitch
Three student presenters with Scorch in front of red background with white logos
Student presenter point to presentation on screen
Scorch pointing at the camera during Dragon Lair Business Pitch Competition
Dragon Lair first prize winner with $3,500 check and Scorch
Student presenter posing with Scorch and college dean
Dragon Lair first prize winner with $3,500 check, Scorch and college dean