The 24th annual LGBTQ+* MBA case competition, sponsored by Bain & Co., is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ graduate students to showcase their analytical, presentation, and strategic skills to judges comprised of professionals from Reaching Out’s various consulting corporate partners. All entrants must be LGBTQ+ individuals or active allies who are current MBAs/graduate students. All competition participants must be registered for the conference. Each team needs a minimum of 3 participants, with 4 being the maximum.

This year’s case centers around a real, LGBTQ+-owned business that is based in New Orleans. Once teams are submitted, the case itself will be distributed to all teams no later than August 29, 2025.

1st Place Award: $5,000
2nd Place Award: $2,500
3rd Place Award: $1,000

• Registration Closes: Once 24 applications are received or by 11:59 PM PT, August 27, 2025.
• Case Sent to Teams: No later than August 29, 2025
• Presentation decks due: 11:59 PM PT, September 21, 2025.
• Competition Date: September 27, 2025
  • Preliminary Rounds: 8:00am – 11:15am (Breakfast and rules review run 7:30-8:00 AM, competition starts at 8:10am) EACH TEAM WILL HAVE 10 MINS TO PRESENT THEIR DECK.
  • Final Round: 12:00pm – 1:15pm

*Reaching Out MBA uses the “+” as part of LGBTQ+ to intentionally embrace all individuals who are working towards building communities of inclusion, respect and belonging, including allies of the LGBTQ community and those who are not fully represented by the letters LGBTQ.

The 10th M&A Case Competition, sponsored by Wells Fargo, provides MBA student teams with the opportunity to experience the role of investment bankers in a mergers & acquisition scenario. Teams will demonstrate their financial and strategic analysis skills before a panel of industry experts.

Students can enter the competition individually or with a team of up to 4 MBAs/graduate students.

All entrants must be current MBAs/graduate students who are registered to attend the 2025 ROMBA Conference. Entrants must be available to present in person, if chosen as a finalist, on September 27, 2025.

• Registration Deadline: 11:59 PM PT, August 17, 2025
• Case Released: August 18, 2025
• Material Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM PT, September 7, 2025
• Finalist Presentations: September 27, 2025. 10:00 AM-11:00 AM PT

We are excited to host the 2025 Startup Pitch Competition in partnership With StartOut!

Pitch your startup to a panel of entrepreneurs and investors who will provide valuable feedback and advice on your pitch and business model. The winner will walk away with a $2,500 prize to help move their venture to the next level.

This competition is open to any LGBTQ+* MBA student or alumni. Active allies may join a team with LGBTQ+ identifying members.

• Prize to the Winning Team: $2,500
• Application Deadline: 11:59pm PT on September 5, 2025
• Finalist Notification: September 15, 2025
• Competition Date: September 27, 2025, 2:45 PM-4:15 PM

*Reaching Out MBA uses the “+” as part of LGBTQ+ to intentionally embrace all individuals who are working towards building communities of inclusion, respect and belonging, including allies of the LGBTQ community and those who are not fully represented by the letters LGBTQ.