Shreveport, LA, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Following the success of student Khaled Saif in the Pelican Cup, LSU Shreveport’s Pilot Pitch entrepreneurship competition is attracting more participants. The competition invites all LSUS students to vie for cash prizes and offers workshops to help develop business ideas. With separate divisions for undergraduate and graduate students, this initiative aims to bolster entrepreneurial skills and collaboration with the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program. Workshops leading up to the 2025 event create an encouraging environment for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Shreveport, Louisiana – The Pilot Pitch campus entrepreneurship competition at LSU Shreveport (LSUS) is gaining popularity following the recent success of a student who participated in a regional event. Khaled Saif, a student at LSUS and winner of the 2024 Pilot Pitch competition, recently secured second place in Louisiana-Monroe’s Pelican Cup where he won a $25,000 prize. The grand prize winner at the Pelican Cup received $50,000.
In light of Saif’s achievements, interest in the 2025 Pilot Pitch competition has surged among LSUS students. Mike McDaniel, assistant professor of business and director of the competition, stated that students are starting to see larger financial opportunities beyond their school’s competitions, motivating more participants to compete.
The Pilot Pitch competition is open to students across all majors at LSUS, making it accessible to a diverse range of aspiring entrepreneurs. The first entrepreneurial workshop for the upcoming 2025 competition is scheduled for September 24 at the Davis Business Engagement Center, with options to attend both in person and via Zoom.
Students interested in competing must declare their intent by October 1 through the LSUS Moodle website. A second workshop focused on business ideas will follow on October 8. Participants can compete as individuals or in teams, with the competition facilitating access to business mentors who can assist in formulating business plans and pitches.
The competition will feature separate divisions for undergraduate and graduate students. The first-place winner in each division will receive a $3,000 prize, while second-place and third-place winners will receive $1,000 and $500, respectively. Khaled Saif, the 2024 Graduate Winner, developed an innovative app called “UDoIt” to help parents and children practice physical movements and compare their actions against animated characters. Meanwhile, the 2024 Undergraduate Winner, Shayna Schexnayder, proposed an indoor sports facility in Lafayette. Also returning this year is Xzayvier Ford-Smith, who was the second-place winner among undergraduates in the previous competition with his app, LifeQuest.
The Pilot Pitch competition is a collaboration between LSUS and the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP), which focuses on mentoring small businesses in northwest Louisiana. This partnership adds additional resources and expertise to aspiring entrepreneurs participating in the competition.
Key Features of the Pilot Pitch Competition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Open to | All LSUS students across majors |
| Workshops | September 24 (first workshop), October 8 (second workshop) |
| Intent Declaration Deadline | October 1 |
| Division Winners’ Prizes | First: $3,000; Second: $1,000; Third: $500 |
| 2024 Winners | Khaled Saif (Graduate), Shayna Schexnayder (Undergraduate) |
| Focused Approach | Collaboration with Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pilot Pitch competition?
The Pilot Pitch campus entrepreneurship competition at LSU Shreveport (LSUS) is gaining popularity.
Who won the 2024 Pilot Pitch competition?
Khaled Saif won the 2024 competition.
What prize did Khaled Saif win at the Pelican Cup?
Khaled Saif secured second place in Louisiana-Monroe’s Pelican Cup and won a $25,000 prize.
How has Saif’s success impacted other students at LSUS?
Following Saif’s success, many LSUS students have shown increased interest in participating in the 2025 Pilot Pitch competition.
When is the first workshop for the 2025 competition?
The first entrepreneurial workshop for the 2025 competition is scheduled for September 24.
When do students need to declare their intent to compete?
Students must declare their intent to compete by October 1 through the LSUS Moodle website.
Are there separate divisions for undergraduates and graduates?
Yes, the competition includes separate divisions for undergraduate and graduate students.
What are the prizes for the winners?
The first-place winner in each division receives a $3,000 prize, while second-place and third-place winners receive $1,000 and $500 respectively.
Who were the winners of the 2024 competition?
The 2024 Graduate Winner was Khaled Saif, and the 2024 Undergraduate Winner was Shayna Schexnayder.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
LSU Shreveport Pilots Achieve Historic 59-0 Season
LSU Shreveport Pilots Achieve Historic Championship Win
New Statue Honoring Robert Smalls to be Unveiled in South Carolina
LSU Baseball Team Receives Academic Excellence Award
Olivia Dunne Reflects on LSU Journey and Success
LSU Shreveport’s Perfect Season Sets New Standard in College Baseball
LSU Triumphs Over UCLA in College World Series Showdown
LSU Tigers Reach Men’s College World Series Finals
LSU Tigers Secure Championship Spot After Thrilling Win
LSU Shreveport Pilots Achieve Perfect Baseball Season
Additional Resources
- KTBS: Pilot Pitch Workshops for Aspiring LSUS Entrepreneurs
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: LSU Shreveport Baseball Signing Tracker
- Google Search: LSU Shreveport
- LM Tribune: Perfect Pilots Bash Their Way to Win
- Google Scholar: LSU Shreveport Entrepreneurship
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Isaac Rohde Shaped LSU Shreveport Baseball Perfect Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Shreveport Times: Comedy Prize in Shreveport
- Google News: Shreveport Entrepreneurship
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
