13 Tips for Pitching Your Startup
Discover how to stand out to judges and craft a compelling pitch with these 13 pro tips from experienced entrepreneurs and startup coaches across Montana. Graphic designed by Melissa Paulsen.
June 30, 2025
By Melissa Paulsen
Montanans are known for their “can-do” spirit, strong work ethic, and hospitality, all of which contribute to the state’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Montana has consistently ranked among the top states for startup activity.
The Kauffman Index ranked Montana the #1 state for startup activity for four straight years.
In 2025, Entrepreneur cited a study by Booking.com that ranked Montana #1 again, with an opportunity score of 9.55 and a 10-year survival rate of 41%.
From 2012 - 2021, Montana startups had an 18% success rate in winning competitive grants, Montana's success rate was 18%, outperforming the national average of 16%.
Regional pitch competitions offer a low-risk way for aspiring founders to refine their ideas, receive valuable feedback, and build networks with mentors, investors, and business leaders; many also offer prize funding and access to follow-on opportunities.
Want to stand out to judges and craft a compelling pitch? Here are 13 pro tips from experienced entrepreneurs and startup coaches across Montana.
Additional Advice:
Network through events like One Million Cups: Billings, the Hellgate Venture Network, and on-campus resources like UM’s Startup Studio or MSU’s Recruiting & Networking Nights.
Get a head start on preparing and practicing your pitch deck.
Identify a problem you’re truly committed to solving.
Stay determined and work hard.
Surround yourself with mentors, advocates, and champions who can support your development.
View entrepreneurship as a strategic team effort rather than a solo pursuit.
Thank you to our contributors for sharing their insight:
Paul Gladen, Executive Director, Accelerate Montana, Missoula
Jenni Graff, Executive Director, Scaling Montana, Bozeman
Trevor Huffmaster, Director, Blackstone LaunchPad at Montana State University, Bozeman
Dr. Anja Kunze, Co-Founder, NanoMagnetic Solutions, Bozeman
Jon Johnson, Technology Director & Co-Founder, Remsight, Victor
Liz Marchi, Head of Community Engagement, Two Bear Capital, Whitefish
Stephen McLaughlin, President & Co-Founder, Remsight, Victor
Entrepreneurial Resources:
C2M Beta Accelerator, powered by Blackfoot Communications: 12-week program delivering foundational skills required to transform influential ideas into thriving businesses.
Frontier Angels: A group of 75+ individual angel investors from Montana who invest time and money in emerging technology companies.
Hellgate Venture Network: Facilitates networking among entrepreneurs and advisors in Missoula engaged in building growth businesses in Western Montana.
Montana Chamber of Commerce - ExportMontana: Assists Montana businesses with market diversification and expansion into international markets.
Montana High Tech Business Alliance - Entrepreneurship Education & Training Resource Guide: Explore our guide to education and training in Montana to begin your entrepreneurial journey today.
Montana High Tech Business Alliance - Management & Entrepreneurship Career Pathways: Discover in-demand skills, high-growth roles, and median salary information for Montana entrepreneurs.
Montana High Tech Business Alliance - Funding and Business Support Resource Guide: Find resources to start and grow a business in Montana.
Montana High Tech Business Alliance - Montana Companies to Watch Lists: The Alliance has covered 100+ notable businesses, including high-growth companies, startups, biotech firms, and top tech employers.
Montana World Trade Center: Organization focused on enhancing international connections and trade statewide.
MSU Blackstone Launchpad & UM Blackstone Launchpad: On-campus resource for students, faculty, and alumni interested in entrepreneurship.
MSU $100K Venture Capital Competition: Regional pitch competition featuring $100,000 in prize money as well as access to experienced entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and network resources.
Next Frontier Capital: Early-stage venture capital firm in Bozeman backing mission-driven, talented entrepreneurs building Rocky Mountain technology companies.
One Million Cubs - Billings: Weekly event bringing together entrepreneurs and the Billings community over coffee and conversation.
3 Tips for Montana Entrepreneurs – MSU Innovators Share Secrets to Launching and Growing Tech Startups: Panel discussion featuring MSU alumni and faculty who have launched successful tech startups.
3 Tips for Scaling Biotech Companies in Montana: Advice from business advisors and investors on how companies can effectively plan for growth and help Montana scale its biotech ecosystem.
3 Tips for Startups – Entrepreneurs Share Lessons Learned While Growing Businesses and Raising Money in Montana: Five Montana entrepreneurs discuss the challenges of starting and scaling their businesses.
Scaling Montana: Connects tech entrepreneurs in Montana to training, mentoring, and contacts to grow their companies.
Two Bear Capital: Venture capital firm headquartered in Whitefish focused on investing in early-stage companies with high growth potential.
UM John Ruffatto Startup Challenge: Pitch competition allowing aspiring University of Montana entrepreneurs a chance to present their ideas, expand their network, and compete for $50,000 in awards.
UM Startup Studio: Supports UM researchers, faculty, and students interested in launching a new venture.
About the Publisher: Launched in 2014, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance is a nonpartisan nonprofit association of more than 200 high tech and manufacturing companies and affiliates creating high-paying jobs in Montana. For more information, visit MTHighTech.org or subscribe to our biweekly newsletter.
The Montana Jobs Network (MJN) was established in 2001 as a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit to promote skilled workforce development in Montana, and in 2023 became affiliated with the Montana High Tech Business Alliance (MHTBA). For more information visit MTHighTech.org/montana-jobs-network
About the Author: Melissa Paulsen is the communications coordinator for the Montana High Tech Business Alliance and Montana Jobs Network. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2022 with a BFA in creative writing and a minor in history.
