Courtyard by Marriott Encourages Young Indian Entrepreneurs to Shine
with The Elevator Pitch
Marriott International’s popular hotel brand celebrates young talent by offering
One million rupees to a young entrepreneur with a winning business idea
[Mumbai, India] — August 28th 2014: Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott International’s hotel brand
renowned globally for its innovation and understanding of business travelers, is delighted to announce
a new campaign to foster young talent in India — the Elevator Pitch. The ultimate goal is to foster the
next generation of entrepreneurs and enable their success. This unique campaign reaches out to up and
coming sharp minds with high ambitions, providing them with an opportunity to kick-start their dreams by
winning 1 million rupees.
The Elevator Pitch is an opportunity for India’s future corporate honchos, to “stay ahead of the game” and
realize their dreams at a young age. Commencing 27th
innovation, a product or a service, but more importantly - those who aspire to achieve and succeed, can
submit their entries on www.courtyard-elevatorpitch.com until 28th
Five finalists will be shortlisted from among the entries, based on the originality and creativity of the
entries, the plans on utilization of the prize money, quality of presentation, product execution plan
& market potential, potential of reach of investment (ROI) and lastly the popularity on social media
platforms. Following that, the five finalists will have 60 seconds to pitch their idea in an elevator at
Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, to a panel of esteemed judges including Mr. Rajeev Menon, Area Vice
President of South Asia, Marriott International; Mr. Mahendra Swarup, Managing Director of Avigo Capital
Partners and Mr. Pallav Nadhani, co-founder and CEO of FusionCharts, whereas India’s champion woman
golfer and model Ms Sharmila Nicollet will be hosting the final elevator pitch judging.
August 2014, young talent with a business idea, an
September 2014.
Based on their presentation skills and the strength of their business ideas, one winner will be awarded 1
million rupees to fulfill his/her dream project.
On the occasion of the announcement, Mr. Rajeev Menon, Area Vice President - South Asia at Marriott
International Inc. said, “Courtyard by Marriott is the smart and entrepreneurial brand, ideal for young
professionals who aspire to make it to the top. With the Elevator Pitch we aim to give boost to our
next-generation entrepreneurs and give them a platform to launch their business. The brand has always
fostered people with ambitions and strives hard to encourage great minds. It is exciting to see our
campaign go live and we are looking forward to receiving great business ideas from our participants.”
On her association with this unique initiative, Ms. Sharmila Nicollet said, “India has an immense pool of
talent which goes unrecognized due to lack of opportunities. Being India’s youngest golfer, I too have
faced my fair share of challenges in my career before I could make a mark. Hence, it gives me immense
pleasure to associate with Courtyard by Marriott’s Elevator Pitch. It’s a great initiative to fuel the minds
of young aspirational, talent, giving them a platform to showcase their ideas and help build India’s young
entrepreneurs. I am looking forward to this association and meeting with the young, bright minds of
future India.”
Courtyard by Marriott is a smart, dynamic hotel for the traveler who’s driven by success, but also enjoys
a break from routine that travel offers. It is a brand that helps guests make the most of their time on the
road. The designing of Courtyard by Marriott hotels keep in mind the requirements of today’s business
traveler offering spacious rooms, refreshing suites, flexible dining options, luxury bedding and functional
work spaces, a perfect blend of contemporary amenities.
To participate in the Elevator Pitch by Courtyard by Marriott and for more information, contestants can
visit the official website www.courtyard-elevatorpitch.com. The last date for submission of the ideas is
September 2014.
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Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced.
Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 950 locations in 38
countries and territories, Courtyard hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program
that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information
or reservations, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211, visit www.courtyard.com, become a fan at
www.facebook.com/courtyard or follow Courtyard at www.twitter.com/courtyardhotels.
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