What is the Spring Launch Party?
The Spring Launch Party is a celebration organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship, bringing together Appalachian faculty, staff, students, and Boone community members. This event honors the dedication and hard work of students who have spent the year developing their business ventures. Read more about this year's finalists.
How do we celebrate?
We throw a party! Join us for an evening filled with food, beverages, an enthusiastic audience, a panel of expert judges, student pitches, and exciting prize money. The first-place winner will receive $3,000, second place $1,500, and third place $500.
What Happens at the Spring Launch?
Five finalists will present their business concepts in a 10-minute pitch to a panel of seasoned entrepreneur judges. These judges will provide valuable feedback and select the ventures that are most ready for launch.
Why the Spring Launch Party?
Unlike other competitions that reward mere ideas, the Spring Launch Party celebrates exceptional execution. Students chosen to pitch have a clear vision for their business, a solid business model, and a comprehensive financial plan. These students have engaged in extensive customer discovery to define a unique value proposition that sets their company apart in the industry.
When is the Spring Launch Party?
Mark your calendars for the sixth annual Spring Launch Party on Monday, April 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Booneshine Brewing. Networking kicks off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the pitches at 6 p.m. Come and be inspired by the students’ compelling journeys as they bring their business ideas to life. Don’t miss the chance to cheer on these dedicated entrepreneurs as they compete for the 2025 Spring Launch Winner title!
Interested in Pitching your idea for cash?
The 2025 Spring Launch Party finalists have already been selected, but if you are interested in learning more about how to prepare and apply for next year's competition, drop us a line! You can never get too big of a head start on turning your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality!
RSVP and join us for the Spring Launch Party
Are you faculty, staff, student, or community member interested in a front-row seat to what Appalachian student entrepreneurs are up to? Join the party! Great food, beer, company, and five fabulous student pitches await you. (Space is limited and registration is open to the first 50 registrants.) RSVP TODAY!
Thank you to the 2025 Spring Launch Party Sponsor
The Anne Cannon Trust was established in 2004 to fund non-profit organizations in North Carolina. With the main focus on supporting North Carolina- based institutions of higher education, the Anne Cannon Trust offers financial aid in the forms of academic and travel scholarships. The Anne Cannon Trust has historically worked with North Carolina learning institutes to support the academic, cultural, and personal enrichment of students of all ages. By funding scholarships like travel abroad programs and individual academic aid, the Anne Cannon Trust enables students to take full advantage of extracurricular experiences paramount to shaping the whole student today while enhancing their competitive edge in the workforce. Wherever possible, Anne Cannon Trust partners with organizations that share the same mission of advancing students across all their educational endeavors and, wherever possible, focusing on under-represented classes. Outside of the educational scope, the Anne Cannon Trust also provides additional support for non-profit organizations focusing on health and environmental advocacy within North Carolina.