We've used a number of off-the-shelf tools to both run the overall SIFP program operations and to manage the pitch clinic and mentoring process.  In all cases we tried to find low-cost or free tools such that any groups replicating SIFP or reusing parts of what we do (such as video presentation training) can do so economically.

 

Pitch Clinic

For the Pitch Clinic, we use:

Microsoft's best (but still low-cost) webcams to capture video of the presenter and of the audience QA sessions.

 

Free Windows Live Movie Maker software (under Windows 7 to get webcam feature) to run the webcam on a PC, and different software on the Mac

 

PixelFlow video collaboration and preview service (free trial, low cost for non-profit use)

 

BlingClock countdown timer (free trial, $16 full version)

 

 

Application Process

We ran the application submission process, screening, notificaiton, etc. on Angelsoft.  Angelsoft is free for business plan competitions.

 

 

Volunteer Communications & Scheduling

A private group in Facebook provided good communications in addition to email.

SurveyMonkey collected information about volunteers.

Doodle helped us schedule team meeting times, volunteer availability, and workshop attendance.