December 17, 2024 3:20 a.m.

The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership has announced the schedule for the 2025 Umpqua Growth Talk Pitch Night series, along with the introduction of a new format for next year.

A Partnership release said UEDP’s Pitch Night program aims to provide financial and advisory support to emerging businesses in Douglas County, fostering their growth and increasing their chances of success. The Partnership believes that thriving small businesses create employment opportunities, support family-wage jobs and help retain talent.

For the 2025 series, UEDP is inviting small businesses and startups that are three years old or younger to apply for participation in three qualifying events on March 6, June 19 and September 4. As in previous years, the top three winners, along with an audience choice winner, will receive prize money. Notably, the 2025 series introduces a significant change: the top two winners from each of the three qualifying events will advance to the Grand Prize Night on October 23, where they will compete for an expanded prize pool and the title of 2025 Pitch Night Grand Prize winner.

UEDP Executive Director Brian Prawitz said, “We are excited about the direction Pitch Night is heading and look forward to building upon the momentum generated in 2024”.

While the final prize amounts are being determined, participants in the first three Pitch Nights will compete to share a prize pool of at least $2,000, with the October Grand Prize Night offering a significantly larger prize pool, expected to exceed $10,000.

Since its inception in 2019, Pitch Night events have generated nearly $80,000 for local entrepreneurs. Participants also benefit from valuable guidance and feedback from Pitch Night coaches, who assist with pitch preparation and offer business advice during a practice session held one week prior to each event.

For more information on how to apply, sponsor, or attend Umpqua Growth Talks Pitch Nights, go to: www.umpquagrowthtalks.com