Business pitch competitions and graduations are the culminating events for EITs as they complete Defy’s rigorous CEO YNL program. During these events, EITs present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of volunteer judges. Judges ask clarifying questions, provide feedback to strengthen the business concepts and pitches, and evaluate the overall presentations with their fellow judges to select competition winners. The event also includes icebreakers and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony in which EITs are awarded a Certificate of Entrepreneurship issued by the Drucker School of Management.

Details

• Date: Monday, June 16, 2025

• Start Time: 9:00 am CST

• End time: 6:00 pm CST

• Location: Kewanee Life Skills Reentry Center

• Transportation: Defy Bus (departing at 6:30 am from downtown Chicago area. Drive Self (approximately 2.5 hour drive from Chicago)

Sign up here by May 14, 2025.