confirmed · Calendar ready · included with program
Date source Entry submissions and video uploads open
Dec 7, 2026
COMPETITION · 2026–2027
Innovation In Action: Help Next Gen Discover Their Insurance Path · 2026–2027
DECA Inc.
Source review: 2026-10-06 · Reviewed catalog; automatic source updates are not active yet
DECA competition sponsored by National Invest Program. Pitch an insurance agency and its hiring strategy.
Eligibility & application
Two to five members of one DECA chapter, with the team based in the United States. Chapters may submit multiple team entries. The sponsor page also limits each participant to one entry and requires the correct BPA or DECA portal; this record covers the DECA rules. Gen Z ages 18–22 describe the project audience, not an applicant age restriction. Required submission: Create an insurance-agency business plan with a mission/vision, key hires and responsibilities, growth strategy, workplace culture and appeal to Gen Z. Submit a persuasive three-to-five-minute investor video explaining insurance products, target audience, marketing, staffing and why the agency deserves funding. Interviewing an insurance professional and using an insight is an optional bonus. Late entries and videos exceeding five minutes are ineligible. The sponsor announces portal opening on December 7, 2026; use its current official challenge page to find the DECA submission portal. Finalist participation: Top-three ICDC participation in Anaheim, California, April 17–20, 2027, depends on chartered association rules and school/chapter advisor approval. Entry does not guarantee conference attendance. The sponsor also describes virtual recognition; award tiers and the exact results day differ between official sources. Confirm both before relying on an award or recognition arrangement. No additional grade, age or citizenship requirement is established in these challenge rules; DECA membership and current organizer instructions still apply.
Nationwide · remote · upcoming
Team prizes: the DECA PDF lists a US$1,500 grand prize, US$1,000 second and US$500 third. The sponsor page instead lists US$1,500 grand, US$1,000 first, US$500 second and US$300 third. The number of tiers and placement amounts need organizer confirmation. Eligible winners pursuing insurance education may receive a separate US$500 reimbursement for insurance-related courses/certifications; this is conditional education funding. Entry fees, membership dues, software access costs and finalist conference/travel charges are not established; confirm these separately with the chapter and organizer. These awards are not salary or a paid placement.
Create an insurance-agency business plan with a mission/vision, key hires and responsibilities, growth strategy, workplace culture and appeal to Gen Z. Submit a persuasive three-to-five-minute investor video explaining insurance products, target audience, marketing, staffing and why the agency deserves funding. Interviewing an insurance professional and using an insight is an optional bonus. Late entries and videos exceeding five minutes are ineligible. The sponsor announces portal opening on December 7, 2026; use its current official challenge page to find the DECA submission portal.
Published dates
confirmed · Calendar ready · included with program
Date source Registration and project submission due
Feb 1, 2027 · 11:59 PM EST
confirmed · Calendar ready · included with program
Date source DECA ICDC recognition · approved top-three teams
Apr 17, 2027 – Apr 20, 2027
unannounced · Pending or needs confirmation
Date source Challenge announcement · exact day unpublished
September 2026; the rulebook supplies the month, not an exact opening date.
unannounced · Pending or needs confirmation
Date source Top-three results announcement · timing needs confirmation
DECA lists March 12, 2027; Invest says results by March 12, 2027. Exact announcement day needs confirmation, so this reminder is excluded.
unannounced · Pending or needs confirmation
Date source Invest Board virtual recognition · date unpublished
The sponsor also advertises virtual recognition by the National Invest Board; no exact date is given.
Unannounced dates are kept pending. Dated history is included when you add a program; reminders apply to future dates. Date-only events do not have an invented cutoff time. The organizer confirms final eligibility and availability.
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