SayPro Pitch Submission: Ensure that All Pitches are Reviewed for Compliance with Submission Guidelines.

Event Name: SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching
Event Date: January 2025 (Specific date to be confirmed)
Submission Period: January 11th, 2025 – January 20th, 2025
Review Period: January 21st, 2025 – January 23rd, 2025
Submission Platform: SayPro Internal Platform (Online)

1. Introduction

The Pitch Submission Phase for the SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching competition will run from January 11th to January 20th, 2025. During this period, participants will submit their business plans, pitch decks, and pitch videos through the SayPro platform. Once the submission window closes on January 20th, the SayPro Competitions Office will initiate a compliance review process to ensure all submissions align with the established guidelines and requirements.

This phase is essential for ensuring that all participants adhere to the event rules, such as correct file formats, required content, and timely submission, setting the stage for the judging process.

2. Submission Guidelines Overview

Participants must follow specific guidelines for their submissions to be considered valid for the competition. These guidelines will be clearly outlined on the SayPro platform before the submission period begins and are designed to maintain fairness and consistency in the competition. The key submission components include:

1. Business Plan: Must be submitted in PDF format, containing:
   • Executive Summary
   • Market Research
   • Revenue Model
   • Financial Projections
   • Business Milestones
2. Pitch Deck: Must be submitted in PowerPoint or PDF format, containing:
   • Problem Statement
   • Solution
   • Unique Value Proposition
   • Business Model and Market Opportunity
   • Go-to-Market Strategy
   • Financial Overview
3. Pitch Video: Must be uploaded in MP4 format or linked via a secure video-sharing platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo). The video should not exceed 5 minutes and must clearly present the business idea.

3. Review Process for Compliance

The compliance review will be handled by the SayPro Competitions Office. It ensures that each submission aligns with the established competition guidelines and avoids disqualification due to minor errors or omissions. The review process will proceed as follows:

Step 1: Automated System Check

• File Format and Size Verification: The SayPro platform will automatically check the file format and file size for each uploaded submission. This will ensure that:
  • Business plans are submitted as PDF files (max. 50MB).
  • Pitch decks are submitted as PowerPoint or PDF files (max. 20MB).
  • Pitch videos are uploaded in MP4 format (max. 100MB) or linked from a secure video-sharing platform.
• Submission Completeness: The platform will verify that all required documents have been uploaded and are not missing. If any of the components (business plan, pitch deck, or pitch video) are missing, participants will receive an automatic incomplete submission notice and be asked to upload the missing file before the deadline.

Step 2: Manual Review by SayPro Competitions Office

Following the automated check, the SayPro Competitions Office team will manually review each submission to ensure compliance with the following guidelines:

• Business Plan: The business plan must include the required sections (Executive Summary, Market Research, etc.), with appropriate content under each heading. Missing sections or unclear content will trigger a request for revision.
• Pitch Deck: The pitch deck must contain all essential elements, including a clearly articulated problem statement, solution, unique value proposition, and market opportunity. The deck should be professional, easy to read, and visually appealing. If the deck lacks one of these key elements, the participant will be notified to make necessary changes.
• Pitch Video: The pitch video must meet the following criteria:
  • Video Length: Not exceeding 5 minutes.
  • Content Quality: The video must clearly present the business idea, market opportunity, and solution in a concise manner.
  • Technical Quality: The video must have clear audio and visual elements (e.g., no excessive background noise or low video quality). If the video has technical issues, the participant will be asked to upload a new version.

Step 3: Communication of Non-Compliance Issues

If any submission does not meet the guidelines during the compliance check, the SayPro Competitions Office will immediately notify the participant via email. This email will include:

• A detailed explanation of what aspect of the submission is non-compliant (e.g., missing document, incorrect file format, video issues).
• A request for the participant to submit the corrected files before the revised submission deadline, if applicable.
• Instructions for resubmitting any revised files or documents to ensure compliance.

Example Email:

Subject: Action Required: Your Submission for SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching

Dear [Participant Name],

Thank you for submitting your materials for the SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching event! Upon review, we noticed that some aspects of your submission require adjustments:

• Pitch Deck: Missing Market Opportunity section.
• Pitch Video: Video length exceeds the 5-minute limit.

Please make the necessary changes and resubmit your files by January 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to the SayPro Competitions Office.

Best regards,
SayPro Competitions Team

4. Submission Deadline Compliance

The final submission deadline for all participants is January 20th, 2025 at 11:59 PM. The review for compliance will be conducted immediately after the submission period closes.

• Grace Period: There will be no grace period beyond the January 20th deadline for submitting corrected or additional materials. All revisions must be submitted by January 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM to allow time for final checks before the judging phase begins.
• Late Submissions: Any submissions received after January 20, 2025, or corrections submitted after January 22, 2025, will be disqualified from the competition to maintain fairness.

5. Final Confirmation of Submission Compliance

Once the compliance review is complete, participants will receive a final confirmation email indicating whether their submission has passed the review or if any final revisions are needed. This confirmation email will also include:

• A status update on whether the submission has been successfully approved for judging.
• A reminder about the upcoming pitch sessions and the timeline for the event.
• Any last-minute instructions for the event (e.g., how to access the live pitch session or join the judging panel).

Example Final Confirmation Email:

Subject: Your Submission for SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching – Final Status

Dear [Participant Name],

Congratulations! Your submission has been successfully reviewed and is in compliance with the competition guidelines. Your business plan, pitch deck, and pitch video are now approved for judging.

We look forward to your pitch presentation on January 30th, 2025. Please ensure that you are prepared for your pitch session as per the event schedule.

Best of luck,
SayPro Competitions Team

6. Post-Review Actions

After the compliance review:

• Final Organization: The SayPro Competitions Office will organize all approved submissions into a secure database for easy access by the judges. This ensures that the judging process is smooth, and all materials are properly sorted.
• Submission Lock: Once submissions are confirmed as compliant, they will be locked from further editing, ensuring fairness during the judging process.
• Communication with Judges: Judges will receive a complete set of materials (business plans, pitch decks, and pitch videos) for review before the live pitching sessions.

7. Conclusion

The Pitch Submission Compliance Review phase is an essential part of the SayPro Monthly Business Model Pitching competition. By ensuring that all submissions meet the event’s guidelines, we maintain a fair, structured, and professional environment for participants and judges alike. Through careful verification, communication, and support, we ensure that every participant has an equal opportunity to showcase their business ideas and compete for the chance to advance to the next stage of the competition.