BUILDFest Metro DC 2025

A night celebrating a legacy of 
BUILDing entrepreneurial leaders 
& transforming communities.

Wednesday, May 14

6:00 - 9:00PM EST

The Capital Turnaround

700 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Register Here

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A inspiring event celebrating 25 years of BUILDing legacy and impact.

BUILDFest, our culminating event of the year, celebrates the accomplishments of student entrepreneurs from across Metro DC. During the course of the evening, you will get a first-hand look at how BUILD’s entrepreneurship-based program is imbuing youth with the
skills they need for success in school, the workforce, and life.


Meet BUILD entrepreneurs at the Student Marketplace

At the Marketplace, you will have a chance to learn about the companies BUILD students have launched and buy their products.

Watch BUILD students shine at the Pitch Competition Finals

Share the excitement as the top four teams pitch their businesses, Shark Tank-style, before a panel of VIP judges. You’ll have a chance to vote for your favorite team.

Meet the Pitch Competition Judges

Christelle Louis

Startup Partner Development Specialist, AWS

 

David Toney

Principal & Senior Vice President Development, Akridge

Dora Gougoufkas

Managing Vice President – Head of International Talent Expansion, Capital One

Veronica Santos

Community Affairs Consultant – Washington Metro Area, Comcast

Our Student Marketplace Businesses

Alexandria City High School

 

CUTESY CANVASES

Visual Art



 

HEART IN HAYA

Hijabs

 

KC CREATIONS

Handmade Items/Crafts

 

SUGA 4 ME

Fashion Jewelry

 

DARESHIFT, INC.

Digital Apps and Games

 

SADA’S BEAUTY CREAM

Body Cream for

Sensitive Skin



 

CANDLELIT CREATIONS

Candles



 

DITCH THE BRA

Women’s Shapewear

  

AETERNITY

Fashion Jewlery



 

CHIC

Fashion Accesories

Theodore Roosevelt High School

 

HEART OF EAST LA

Clothes and Gifts

 

 

PROCRASTINATE

Daily Planner

 

 

BRINGING DOWN STRESS

De-stress toys

 

RAINNET

Clothes and Gifts

 

GIGI MK LOOKS

Clothes and Gifts

Be an event sponsor

Download Full Sponsorship Packet

Presenting Sponsor

As the lead sponsor of BUILDFest DC , your company will receive prominent onstage recognition during the evening's program. An executive from your company will announce the winners of the Pitch Competition and present the cash awards.

Pitch Competition Sponsor

Your sponsorship will support one of the three teams that will be competing in the Pitch Competition.

Student Business Sponsor

Your sponsorship will support one of the 20 student businesses that will be selling their products at the Student Marketplace

Bridging Communities Sponsor

Your sponsorship will support our efforts to bring communities together by covering the cost of food, beverage, and transportation to BUILDFest for teachers, students and their families.

BUILD Metro DC Partner Schools

A huge thank you to our school partners that continue to make impact throughout the year with our students.

Download a Sample of Our Curriculum

Fill out this form to receive a free sample of our curriculum and to receive occasional email updates on how to bring BUILD to your community.

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VIDEO PREPARATION GUIDELINES

HOW TO RECORD

1. iPhone, iPad, Zoom and Loom are all choices of recording tools for their video presentation 
2. Record with both students and their presentation in view
3. Record horizontally for the best view of the students and their presentation
4. Follow Presentation Diagram to the Right

PRESENTATION TIPS.

- Make eye contact with the camera
- Notecards may be used as cue cards
•Pro Tip: Notecards should avoid having a full script
- Even when you are not speaking, don’t forget the camera is still recording!
•Be aware of your body language while you and your business partners are speaking
- Everyone has an opportunity to speak
- Professional dress is encouraged
- Practice makes perfect
•Practice how you will transition from each speaker
•Project your voice when you speak​

Follow positioning format Above

Download a Sample of Our Curriculum

Fill out this form to receive a free sample of our curriculum and to receive occasional email updates on how to bring BUILD to your community.