It started as a local fair in Acton, MA. For nine years we ran one of the largest youth entrepreneur fairs — watched kids as young as six set up real booths, pitch to real strangers, and walk away with money they earned themselves. Real customers, real cash. Every year it got bigger. Kids who came at 9 came back at 14 with full business plans. Parents told us it changed how their kids thought about money.
But a fair that runs once a year only gets kids thinking about business for one day. We wanted them thinking about it year-round. That's why we built BASK Pitch.
BASK Pitch is a monthly online video pitch competition for young entrepreneurs ages 12 to 17, from any country. Film a short pitch from your bedroom. Submit it. Our judges pick the top 3 every month and send real cash — $300, $200, and $100 — directly to the winner's parent or guardian. Every single submission gets posted on our social media. Win or lose, your idea gets seen.
We don't award ribbons or trophies to everyone. We award real cash to the best ideas. Kids know the difference and it changes how hard they work. You don't need a teacher to nominate you. Any kid ages 12 to 17 can enter, solo or as a group of up to 3, from anywhere in the world.
We want every kid to think like an entrepreneur — not just on fair day, but every day. BASK Pitch is how we do that.
baskchallenge.org/pitch
Requirements
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To compete in BASK Pitch, submit the following through the form on this page:
1. A video pitch link Your video must be submitted as a YouTube link (unlisted is fine), a Google Drive link, or an Instagram Reel link. The video must be:
- Between 90 seconds and 3 minutes — videos outside this range are automatically disqualified
- One continuous, unedited single take — no cuts, no added music, no graphics, no captions added in post
- Opened by stating your name, age, and business name on camera, then holding up a handwritten sign showing your business name
- Free of any adult voices, coaching, or narration audible or visible at any point
Phone camera is completely fine. Notes and notecards are allowed. Production quality is not judged.
2. Four written questions (answered in the submission form)
- What problem does your business solve?
- Who is your customer?
- What do you charge?
- Why are you the right person to build this? (optional)
Keep answers short — a sentence or two each is fine. Judges read these before watching your video. Blank written submissions are grounds for disqualification.
3. Participant info
- Your name and age
- Country
- Business name
- Group members, if entering as a team (up to 3 total)
The monthly deadline is the last day of each month. New winners are announced every month.
Prizes
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
BASK JUDGE
Head Judge
Judging Criteria
-
The Problem
Is there a real, specific problem being solved? Does the pitcher actually understand it from the customer's perspective, not just describe it in general terms? -
The Solution
Does the solution directly address the problem? Is it clear what the product or service actually is and how it works? -
Passion & Authenticity
Does this feel like the pitcher's real idea? Do they genuinely care about it? This is not about performance — it's about whether the idea and the conviction behind it feel real. -
Business Thinking
Does the pitcher know who their customer is, what they charge, and why someone would choose them over other options? -
Clarity of Communication
Could a complete stranger understand the business from start to finish after watching once? No jargon, no rambling — just a clear, confident pitch.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Invite others to compete
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