Join Our Student Challenge

You are a young professional launching a new insurance agency and want to build the ultimate team of next gen leaders. To secure startup funding, you must present a business plan to an investment company that demonstrates how your hiring strategy will help your agency succeed. Then, bring your vision to life by creatively summarizing your business plan in a 3–5 minute video pitch designed to persuade investors to fund your agency.

The submission portal will open on December 7, 2026

You may only submit (1) entry for this challenge. Be sure to use the correct submission portal.

BUSINESS PLAN GUIDELINES  

• Introduce your agency’s mission and vision. 

• Identify the key insurance and business professionals you would hire and explain the responsibilities of each role. 

• Explain how each role contributes to your agency’s growth, innovation, and long-term success. 

• Describe what your agency will do to build a strong workplace culture that attracts, develops and retains young talent  

• Explain why investors should believe your team is positioned to build a successful forward-thinking agency. 

VIDEO PRESENTATION GUIDELINES 

Participants will present a creative summary of their business plan in a 3–5 minute investment pitch. 
 
I. Introduction 

• Identify which types of insurance your campaign will focus on and why they are relevant to Gen Z. 

• Identify your target audience, including demographics, region. 

• Describe key marketing strategies your team will use to connect with Gen Z and stand out from traditional insurance messaging. 

• Describe how you will change the perception of insurance from boring and confusing to empowering and essential. 

II. Hiring Strategy and Investment Pitch  

• Introduce the key insurance and business professionals you would hire and explain the responsibilities of each role. 

• Describe how your agency will build a strong workplace culture that attracts, develops, and retains Gen Z talent. 

• Explain why your hiring strategy and leadership team position your agency for long-term growth and success. 

• Persuade investors why your agency is a smart investment. 

III. Overall Presentation 

• Stay within the 3–5 minute limit.  
• Deliver a professional, persuasive presentation.  
• Use visuals and creativity to strengthen your message.  
• Ensure clear audio and smooth video playback. 

 BONUS: Interview an insurance professional and incorporate at least one insight or recommendation into your video presentation. 

Review and Download Evaluation Form here. 

• The submission portal opens December 7, 2026
• Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2027
• The top 3 teams will be announced by March 12, 2027
• Each winning team will be presented their official award in person or virtually by a member of the National Invest Team.

The top three teams will be recognized virtually by the National Invest Board. 

NATIONAL GRAND PRIZE: $1,500 cash prize
The national grand prize winning team will also be featured on Invest’s Hall of Fame webpage viewed by insurance business professionals nationwide. In addition, the winning video will be featured on Invest and Invest company partner social media platforms. Lastly, each winner interested in pursuing an insurance career will also be eligible for an Invest classroom to career scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $500 reimbursement for insurance related continued education including insurance pre-licensing courses, certifications, designations and/or collegiate course work focused on insurance and/or risk management. For those interested in pursuing an insurance certification or designation please visit The Institutes and/or The Risk and Insurance Education Alliance to learn more.

FIRST PLACE: $1,000 cash prize
The first-place winning team will also be featured on Invest’s Hall of Fame webpage viewed by insurance business professionals nationwide. In addition, the winning video will be featured on Invest and Invest company partner social media platforms. Lastly, each winner interested in pursuing an insurance career will also be eligible for an Invest classroom to career scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $500 reimbursement for insurance related continued education including insurance pre-licensing courses, certifications, designations and/or collegiate course work focused on insurance and/or risk management. For those interested in pursuing an insurance certification or designation please visit The Institutes and/or The Risk and Insurance Education Alliance to learn more.

SECOND PLACE: $500 cash prize
The second-place winning team will also be featured on Invest’s Hall of Fame webpage viewed by insurance business professionals nationwide. In addition, the winning video will be featured on Invest and Invest company partner social media platforms. Lastly, each winner interested in pursuing an insurance career will also be eligible for an Invest classroom to career scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $500 reimbursement for insurance related continued education including insurance pre-licensing courses, certifications, designations and/or collegiate course work focused on insurance and/or risk management. For those interested in pursuing an insurance certification or designation please visit The Institutes and/or The Risk and Insurance Education Alliance to learn more.

THIRD PLACE: $300 cash prize
The third-place winning team will also be featured on Invest’s Hall of Fame webpage viewed by insurance business professionals nationwide. In addition, the winning video will be featured on Invest and Invest company partner social media platforms. Lastly, each winner interested in pursuing an insurance career will also be eligible for an Invest classroom to career scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $500 reimbursement for insurance related continued education including insurance pre-licensing courses, certifications, designations and/or collegiate course work focused on insurance and/or risk management. For those interested in pursuing an insurance certification or designation please visit The Institutes and/or The Risk and Insurance Education Alliance to learn more.

If your students produce a winning submission, Invest will also provide a pizza lunch to your classroom in honor of you and the winners!

Please reach out to our Invest team

Whitnee Dillard, Executive Director

Johanna Holling, Volunteer Relations Program Manager