SayPro Business Model Pitching: Pitch Video Guidelines.

Event Name: SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching
Event Date: January (Specific date to be confirmed)
Event Location: SayPro Virtual/Physical Event Space

Introduction

The Pitch Video Guidelines are designed to ensure that all pitch submissions meet the technical and content standards required for the SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching event. The pitch video is a key component of your submission and should effectively convey your business model, market potential, and growth strategy to the judges. This document outlines the necessary guidelines for submitting a high-quality pitch video.

1. Video Format and Length

• Video File Format: MP4, MOV, or AVI.
• Resolution: The video must be at least 720p (HD) quality, with a recommended resolution of 1080p (Full HD) for optimal viewing.
• Video Length: The video should be between 3 to 5 minutes in length.
  • Anything shorter than 3 minutes may result in insufficient detail, and anything longer than 5 minutes may exceed the allotted time for judges to view.

2. Technical Quality

To ensure your pitch video is clear and professional, please adhere to the following technical specifications:

• Audio:
  • The audio should be clear and easy to understand. Avoid background noise or distortion.
  • Use a good-quality microphone, preferably an external one, to ensure better sound quality.
  • If you’re recording in a large room, consider using a lapel microphone or recording in a quieter, smaller space.
• Lighting:
  • Ensure you are well-lit during the recording. Natural light is preferable, but if recording indoors, use a soft light to avoid harsh shadows on your face.
  • Avoid backlighting, as it may cause your face to appear dark or obscured.
• Video Framing:
  • Position the camera at eye level. Ensure your face is clearly visible in the frame.
  • Maintain a professional background, free from distractions or clutter.
  • Do not sit too far from the camera. Ideally, your head and shoulders should be in view.
• Video Stability:
  • Ensure the camera is stable. Avoid handheld or shaky video footage. Use a tripod or place the camera on a stable surface.

3. Content Guidelines

Your pitch video should cover the following content areas to ensure it is both compelling and informative. Please structure your video in the following sequence:

1. Introduction (30 seconds – 1 minute)

• Introduce yourself and your team (if applicable).
• Provide the name of your business and briefly describe the product/service you are offering.
• State the problem your business addresses and why it matters.

2. Business Model and Solution (1-2 minutes)

• Explain how your product or service solves the identified problem.
• Describe your unique value proposition: What makes your solution different from existing alternatives?
• Explain how your business operates and generates revenue.
• Include key features, benefits, and innovations of your solution.

3. Market Opportunity (1 minute)

• Identify your target market and the size of the opportunity.
• Provide evidence that there is a clear demand for your product or service.
• Briefly discuss your market research, highlighting customer pain points, trends, and competitors.

4. Financial Projections and Business Viability (1 minute)

• Outline your business’s financial goals, key metrics, and projections (e.g., sales, profit margins).
• If applicable, provide an overview of any current revenue streams, costs, or funding needs.
• Discuss the scalability of your business and the long-term sustainability of your model.

5. Call to Action & Conclusion (30 seconds – 1 minute)

• Close with a compelling call to action, explaining what you are seeking from the competition (e.g., mentorship, funding, partnerships).
• Summarize your business’s potential impact and why it’s worth supporting.
• Thank the judges for their time and consideration.

4. Presentation Tips

• Clarity and Conciseness:
  • Ensure that your pitch is concise, to the point, and well-organized. Avoid unnecessary jargon.
  • Focus on the most important elements of your business that are likely to resonate with judges.
• Engagement:
  • Speak with enthusiasm and confidence to engage your audience. Passion and energy can make a strong impact.
  • Use visuals (e.g., slides or images) sparingly to support key points in your pitch. Ensure that these visuals are clear and professional.
  • If using slides, ensure they are legible and not overcrowded with text.
• Professionalism:
  • Dress appropriately for the event. Business casual or formal attire is recommended, as this creates a more professional impression.
  • Practice your pitch several times to ensure a smooth, confident delivery. Aim to avoid reading from a script, but feel free to have key points or bullet points available.

5. Submission Instructions

• Uploading:
  • Submit your video through the SayPro website or the designated platform by the submission deadline. Ensure the file is correctly uploaded and accessible for review.
  • Double-check that the video file is functional, properly formatted, and correctly named with your business name (e.g., “BusinessName_PitchVideo”).
• Deadline:
  • All pitch videos must be submitted no later than [Date] to ensure consideration in the event. Late submissions will not be accepted.

6. Disqualification Criteria

To ensure fairness, the following issues may result in disqualification:

• Videos that do not meet the technical quality standards (e.g., poor audio or video quality).
• Submissions exceeding the 5-minute time limit.
• Failure to cover the required content areas (e.g., missing financial projections or market research).
• Failure to submit the video by the established deadline.

7. Additional Support

If you require assistance with any aspect of your pitch video preparation, please contact the SayPro Competitions Office for guidance. Resources, including sample videos and pitch tips, may be available to help you produce the best submission possible.

By following these Pitch Video Guidelines, you will ensure that your submission meets the event’s standards and gives your business the best possible chance for success during the SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching competition.

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your innovative ideas!