Overview

Honoring Br. Joel Damian, FSC

In the spring of 2019, Christian Brothers Services (CBS) celebrated the enduring vision and dedication of its founder, Br. Joel Damian, FSC, by establishing an endowment to 麻豆传媒. This generous gift supports the university’s long-standing, student-focused business plan competition within the College of Business鈥攏ow proudly renamed the Br. Joel Damian, FSC, Business Pitch Competition.

Br. Joel Damian was a pioneering entrepreneur and visionary leader who founded Christian Brothers Services, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive benefit plans鈥攊ncluding health, retirement, and property/casualty coverage鈥攖o congregations, organizations, and dioceses across the United States and Canada.

In 1966, Br. Damian came to 麻豆传媒 to establish the national headquarters of the Christian Brothers, where he also founded a Novitiate and Scholasticate. As a founding member of the Lewis College Board of Directors, he played a pivotal role in guiding the institution’s transition to university status. His leadership extended beyond Lewis鈥攈e served as the Executive Secretary of the Christian Brothers Conference, where he helped design benefit programs for Christian Brothers’ lay associates and advised dioceses nationwide on retirement plan development for priests and church employees.

Br. Joel Damian passed away in 1991 at the age of 73, after 58 years of devoted service as a De La Salle Christian Brother. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to education continue to inspire future generations of innovators through the competition that bears his name.

Carrying Forward His Legacy

Today, the Br. Joel Damian Business Pitch Competition embodies Br. Damian’s belief in service, innovation, and the transformative power of education. Through this annual event, the Lowell Stahl Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation empowers students to think boldly, build ethically, and create ventures that uplift communities鈥攃ontinuing Br. Damian’s lifelong mission to unite business excellence with Lasallian values.

2025鈥�26 Br. Joel Damian Business Pitch Competition

The Br. Joel Damian Business Pitch Competition celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of Br. Joel Damian and is made possible through the generosity of Christian Brothers Services. Hosted by the Lowell Stahl Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, this university-wide competition empowers Lewis and St. Augustine College students to turn bold ideas into real ventures.

Pitch. Win. Launch.

Participants will compete for over $20,000 in total prizes, including a $5,000 Grand Prize and in-kind support through workspace and mentorship within the Lewis University Innovation Hub鈥攁 regional business incubator supporting emerging entrepreneurs.

Incentives

  • The first 50 applicants will receive a branded Innovation Hub tumbler.
  • Early applicants will be entered into a drawing for a lunch at McWethy’s Tavern with the Dean of the College of Business, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and the Director of the Innovation Hub.

Innovation Tracks

Applicants may submit pitches in one of six tracks:

  • Social Impact
  • Sustainability
  • Technology
  • Health & Wellness
  • Education
  • Open Track (Wildcard)

Key Dates

  • Early Submission: November 21, 2025
  • Second Deadline: December 19, 2025
  • Final Deadline: February 21, 2026
  • Tumbler & Lunch Drawing: December 1, 2025

Judging Round 1: February 22 鈥� March 5, 2026
Finalists Announced: March 7, 2026

Finalist Coaching:

  • Group Workshop: March 18鈥�19, 2026
  • 1:1 Coaching: Week of March 23, 2026

Final Review: April 14鈥�17, 2026
Final Event (Live Pitches): April 23, 2026

Finalist Experience

Finalists will work directly with Rajiv Nathan (Startup Hypeman) to refine their pitches and storytelling, receiving:

  • A group workshop on 3鈥�4 minute pitch design
  • A personal coaching session
  • An optional final email review of their pitch

Eligibility

  • Open to all 麻豆传媒 and St. Augustine College undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Teams may consist of up to four members (solo entries are welcome).
  • Businesses must have under $10,000 in revenue or external funding.
  • Exceptions can be requested by emailing atiwari1@lewisu.edu.
  • Ventures must align with Lasallian values and university IP policies.
  • Students must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing at the time of submission.
  • Previous participants are welcome to reapply with updated ventures.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Basic and team information
  • A 3鈥�4 minute video pitch link (YouTube or Vimeo)
  • Written responses (100鈥�500 words each):
    1. Describe your business idea
    2. What problem does it solve?
    3. Who is your target market?
    4. What is your competitive advantage?
    5. What are your next steps?
  • Contact

Questions or comments?
hub@lewisu.edu | atiwari1@lewisu.edu

Application

Download and fill your application:


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