April 11, 2024 10:50 a.m. 

Six people with new business ideas will share their vision at Umpqua Growth Talks Pitch Night for Startups on Wednesday night at Backside Brewing in Roseburg.

A Partnership release said the fledgling entrepreneurs will be given five minutes in front of a live audience and three judges to present their idea in hopes of earning a piece of $2,000 in prize money. The first-place winner will win $1,000. Second place earns $500, and third place comes with a $250 prize. The audience favorite will earn $250. Prize funds and additional support for Pitch Nights comes from partnerships.

The event is organized by the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership, with the goal of launching new businesses that lead to future employment opportunities.

Twenty-four applications were received for this edition of Pitch Night. The six finalists selected by the Pitch Night committee were provided with a coach and invited to practice their presentation a week before the event. UEDP Executive Director Brian Prawitz said “Our goal is to strengthen the confidence each entrepreneur has in their idea”. Prawitz said, “We hope each participant leaves with a great experience, no matter who wins the money”.

The pitch night format is also an opportunity to invest in the entrepreneurial network. This year’s format includes a networking period, emphasis on successful local entrepreneurs, more information on past winners, with support, encouragement and direction for people thinking about starting their own business.

Dates for Pitch Night remaining events are July 17th and October 16th.

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  Sign up for free tickets at: https://uedpartnership.org/