Costello College of Business partnerships are creating experiential learning opportunities for our students.
The Patriot Pitch Competition supports ideas and early-stage business ventures and is open to current George Mason students and recent alumni from all majors/fields of study.
2026 Patriot Pitch Competition
Students and Recent Alumni
If you have an idea and a desire to launch a new business, enter to compete for a chance to win a share of this year’s $60,000 Patriot Pitch Competition prize money. Competition eligibility guidelines will be available soon. Submit a 2026 Patriot Pitch Competition Interest Form to stay updated.
The Patriot Pitch Competition is led by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Costello College of Business. Semi-finalist teams will participate in mentoring sessions and entrepreneurship training sessions and present their pitches virtually. Finalists will be chosen after the semi-final presentations and will make their pitches in front of a live audience on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the HUB Ballroom on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus.
Faculty, Staff, and Members of the Business Community
If you want to mentor a team, coach a team as they perfect their pitch leading up to the semi-final and final rounds, or judge pitches during the semi-final and final competitions, we would love your support. Email ciemason@gmu.edu to learn more.
We’d also love for you to attend!
Come support the finalists, hear innovative business ideas, and be part of the excitement as we award $60,000 in prize money to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
$60K in Total Prizes, with Awards in Each Track
2025 Patriot Pitch Competition Award Winner. Photo by John Boal Photography.
Competition Tracks
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of entrepreneurship experts, who will select up to 4 semi-finalist teams for each track.
Meant for idea stage or early-stage ventures (current undergraduate students) that intend on starting a business or have already started their business).
Meant for idea-stage and experiential learning pitches (current undergraduate students not planning to start a business but using this as an opportunity to gain an entrepreneurial mindset and intrapreneurial skills in preparation for entering corporate or small business environments).
Meant for ventures that have a social enterprise business model or non-profit organizations that generate positive environmental or societal impact (current undergraduate students).
Meant for idea stage or early-stage aspiring entrepreneurs (current graduate level students and recent alumni, within last 5 years) that intend on starting their business or have already started their business and meet the defined eligibility limitations for revenue, # of years in business, etc.
Keynote Speaker
Omar Soliman, Co-Founder at College Hunks Hauling Junk & Trash Butler
Omar Soliman is a published author, entrepreneur, and TV personality.
He is the Co-Founder of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving, a national junk removal and moving franchise with over 200 franchises across the country. CHHJ was named one of the fastest-growing franchises in the nation by Entrepreneur Magazine and currently employs over 10,000 people nationwide.
Recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements, Omar was named 'Top 30 Entrepreneurs in America Under 30' by Inc. Magazine, awarded Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year, and honored as the International Franchise Association's Entrepreneur of the Year. Omar has also made TV appearances as a frequent guest on FOX Business News and MSNBC, and starred in the series premiere of ABC's Shark Tank as well as on CBS's Undercover Boss.
Dates and Deadlines
| Application Opens | January 2026 |
| Full Application Deadline | Friday, February [TBD] |
| Semi-Finalists Announced | Late Feb – Early March |
| Mentorship & Workshops | Semi-finalists matched with mentors and attend sessions |
| Semi-Final Round (Virtual) | Thursday, April 2 |
| Final Round (In-Person) | Thursday, April 9 at the HUB |
Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a sponsor for the 2026 Patriot Pitch Competition, please email Katie Parkes Greene: kparkes@gmu.edu.