Event Sponsorship
The students at the Mike Ilitch School of Business are the best of the best. Our partners enable us to provide a top-tier experience to nearly 4,000 Ilitch students. If you are interested in sponsorship, please contact Sean Schroeder, Corporate Engagement Officer at smschroeder@wayne.edu or at 313-577-8598.
We are thrilled to offer you this opportunity. Your support will have an unmatched impact on the student experience. Thank you for your continued support and for your consideration.
Nonprofit consulting day sponsorship opportunities
Date: January 24, 2025
The Mike Ilitch School of Business Nonprofit Consulting Day is a unique collaboration between the Ilitch School's Entrepreneurship & Innovation program, Warrior Consulting Group, and Share Detroit. This event brings together over 150 nonprofit organizations seeking expert consulting services, benefiting from the knowledge and skills of the school’s top talent.
Students work in consulting groups to provide insights into various areas such as marketing, finance, accounting, supply chain, technology, and management. With faculty oversight, nonprofits receive valuable strategies to strengthen their operations and community impact. This event offers an invaluable experience for students while supporting local nonprofits.
Sponsorship levels and benefits
| Benefits | $5,000 | $2,000 | $500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition level | Presenting | Champion | Table |
| Interact with 200+ people including students and NPOs | X | X | X |
| Distribute branded items at event | X | X | X |
| Logo on signage, website and socials | X | X | |
| Named recognition in promo emails | X | ||
| 5-minute onstage remarks | X | ||
| Information tables allotted | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Our community impact
As an engaged member of our greater Detroit community, the Mike Ilitch School of Business is proud to partner with those who are working to bring Detroit forward to the benefit of everyone. Your support allows us to educate the socially responsible citizens of tomorrow.
Startup technology pitch competition sponsorship opportunities
Date: March 28, 2025
The inaugural Ilitch Startup Technology Pitch Competition is a dynamic collaboration between the Entrepreneurship & Innovation program and the Technology, Information Systems, and Analytics Department at the Mike Ilitch School of Business. This event is set to ignite student innovation and entrepreneurial spirit at Wayne State University.
This exciting competition invites participants to pitch groundbreaking technology ideas, ranging from mobile apps and software to medical devices and sustainability tools. The Ilitch School Startup Technology Pitch Competition will be an engaging opportunity to interface with WSU’s top tech talent.
Learn more about the tech pitch competition
Sponsorship levels and benefits
| Benefits | $20,000 | $15,000 | $7,500 | $2,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition level | Presenting | Investor | Accelerator | Catalyst |
| Exclusive level | X | X | ||
| Prerecorded message at competition | X | |||
| Distribute branded items at competition | X | X | ||
| Recognition in press releases and media | X | X | ||
| Verbal recognition in on stage remarks | X | X | X | |
| Logo on signage, collateral and website | X | X | X | X |
| Named recognition in promo emails | X | X | ||
| Named recognition on social media | X | X | X | X |
| Semi-final/final judging opportunities | X | X | X | |
| Tickets to final round ceremony | 10 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
Ilitch School gala and awards celebration sponsorship opportunities
Date: April 17, 2025
The Ilitch School annual Gala recognizes our outstanding students, faculty and staff. The program includes the 25 Under 25 Student Awards, Sue Garr Innovative Teaching Award, Distinguished Faculty Awards for Research and Service, and Staff Excellence Award.
This event provides exclusive access to the Ilitch School’s top talent, branding and visibility opportunities and a broad interfacing opportunity with 250 Ilitch students, faculty members, and guests. Your support of the annual Gala will have a direct and lasting impact on the Ilitch student experience.
Learn more about the gala and awards celebration
Sponsorship levels and benefits
| Benefits | $20,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition level | Presenting | Signature | Gold | Green |
| Exclusive level | X | X | ||
| Prerecorded message at ceremony | X | |||
| Distribute branded items at ceremony | X | X | ||
| Recognition in press releases andmedia | X | X | ||
| Verbal recognition in on stage remarks | X | X | X | |
| Logo on signage, website & socials | X | X | X | X |
| Named recognition in promo emails | X | X | ||
| Ad in event program | Full page | 1/2 page | 1/4 page | |
| Student tickets sponsored | 10 | 5 | 2 | |
| Tickets to gala | 12 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
Back to school bash sponsorship opportunities
Date: August 2025
The Mike Ilitch School of Business Back to School Bash is a vibrant event that welcomes all business students to launch the academic year. Featuring tables from student organizations, business clubs and academic programs, the Bash serves as an engaging opportunity to connect with Wayne State University's business talent.
This event offers exclusive access to over 300 Ilitch Students in a casual but career-focused setting, providing recruitment opportunities and branding visibility for your company - almost like your own career fair!
Sponsorship levels and benefits
| Benefits | $10,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 | $500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition level | Presenting | Champion | Bronze | Table |
| Exclusive level | X | |||
| Interact with 300+ business students | X | X | X | X |
| Distribute branded items at event | X | X | X | X |
| Logo on signage, website and socials | X | X | X | |
| Named recognition in promo emails | X | X | ||
| Named recognition on event t-shirts | X | X | ||
| Free table at fall business career fair | X | |||
| Information tables allotted | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
GM-WSU supply chain case competition sponsorship opportunities
Date: October 2025
The General Motors - Wayne State University Supply Chain Case Competition is a dynamic event connecting industry leaders with aspiring supply chain professionals. Welcoming schools from across the USA and Mexico, this annual competition invites industry leaders to engage with students as they tackle real-world business challenges, showcasing their innovative skills.
Sponsors will benefit from visibility through promotional opportunities and participation in engaging activities, making this an excellent chance to inspire the industry’s top emerging talent in supply chain management. This international opportunity is a perfect platform to connect with the next generation of leaders in the field.
Learn more about the case competition
Sponsorship levels and benefits
| Benefits | $20,000 | $15,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition level | Warrior | Gold | Silver | Champion | Industry |
| Meet, identify and recruit students from 20 universities | X | X | X | X | X |
| Logo on signage, collateral and event website | Large | Large | Medium | Medium | Small |
| Information table at networking event | X | X | X | X | X |
| Branded item in welcome bag | X | X | X | X | X |
| Early digital access to registrant resume book | X | X | X | ||
| Guest speaking opportunity | X | X | |||
| Naming opportunity for key event during competition | X | ||||
| Tickets to opening networking event and final awards dinner | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 opening only |
Elevator pitch competition sponsorship opportunities
Date: October 2025
The Mike Ilitch School of Business elevator pitch competition is a dynamic event where students deliver 90-second pitches about their education, skills, and career goals to executives from major Detroit companies.
Over 100 students participate each year, with initial qualifications based on performance in five preparatory workshops. The semi-final round takes place at the Ilitch School, leading to a final competition in elevators at the Renaissance Center. Winners receive scholarships of $1,000, $500, or $250.
Learn more about the elevator pitch competition
Sponsorship levels and benefits
| Benefits | $7,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition level | Presenting | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
| Exclusive level | X | |||
| Company speaker at final awards | X | |||
| Distribute branded items at events | X | X | ||
| Recognition in press releases and media | X | X | ||
| Verbal recognition in on stage remarks | X | X | X | |
| Logo on signage, website and socials | X | X | X | X |
| Named recognition in promo emails | X | X | ||
| Workshop coaching with 100+ students | X | X | X | X |
| Guaranteed semi-final/final judging slots | X | X | X | X |