Applications Open for 2025 Freelance Small Business and Creatives Competition
by Sawyer Tardie ’27 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management)
Applications are now open for the 2025 Blackstone LaunchPad Freelance, Small Business and Creatives Pitch Competition. Students building a career or side hustle providing services or creating products are invited to compete in the LaunchPad’s Halloween Freelance Small Business competition. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students, participants will present their business in a 4-minute pitch with a 2-minute Q&A section from the judges.
Bring your side hustle, micro-business, or creative venture to the LaunchPad for a chance to win thousands in cash and non-cash prizes, including a 1st place prize package sponsored by alum and entrepreneur Stacy Small ’91, founder of Elite Travel Club. This year’s winner will receive a cash prize and 12 one-on-one mentoring sessions with Stacy, offering an incredible opportunity to learn from a successful founder in the luxury travel industry.
The competition will be held on Friday, October 31st, 2025, in Bird Library.
Last year’s Freelance, Small Business and Creatives Competition winners included:
- Armani Isonguyo - $2,000
- Lars Jendruschewitz - $1,000
- Chimdi Onyeama - $1,000
- Jack Venerus - $250
- Aidan Turner - $250
- Tony Goncalves - $250
Last year’s winners represented a range of student creators and entrepreneurs. Many have since gone on to grow their ventures, expand their audiences, and take on new clients after pitching at the competition.
If you’re building something of your own whether it’s a creative business, freelance brand, or passion project this is your chance to share it with the campus community and take it to the next level.