The 22nd 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 current LGBTQ+ or active ally MBAs/graduate students.

This year’s case centers around a real, LGBTQ+ business that is based in Chicago. Once teams are submitted, the case itself will be distributed to all teams no later than September 18, 2023.

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

• Registration Deadline: Once 21 applications are received or by 11:59 PM PT, September 17, 2023 Case Sent to Teams: No later than September 18, 2023
• Presentation decks due: 11:59 PM PT, October 2, 2023. EACH TEAM WILL HAVE 10 MINS TO PRESENT THEIR DECK.
• Competition Date: October 7, 2023
  • Preliminary Rounds: 8:00 AM – 11:15 AM (Breakfast and rules review run 8:00-8:25 AM, competition starts at 8:30 AM)
  • Final Round: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Pitch your startup to a panel of investors and industry experts (thanks to StartOut) who will provide valuable feedback and advice on your pitch and business model. The winner will walk away with a $5,000 grand prize to help get their venture started. Both LGBTQ+ MBA graduate students and LGBTQ+ MBA alumni are eligible to compete.

1st Place Award: $5,000

• Application Deadline: 11:59pm PT on September 17, 2023
• Finalists Notified: September 22, 2023
• Pitch Date: October 7, 2023, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM