July 30, 2025 2:50 a.m.

Six entrepreneurs have been selected for the next Pitch Night event, on September 4th at Backside Brewing in Roseburg.

An Umpqua Economic Development Partnership release said the six participants will compete for their share of a $2,000 prize fund and the final two spots in the first ever Pitch Night Grand Finale on October 23rd.

Partnership Executive Director Brian Prawitz said, “Successful small businesses stimulate the economy, create jobs, foster innovation, and enhance economic resilience”. Prawitz said “We are proud to support the growth and expansion of local small businesses”.

The six contestants that have been chosen for this round are: Desirae Cleary – Cattle Dogs Golf Center; Brooke Laurance – Revival Juice Company; Jime Amaro – Jime’s Hot Dogs; Kristi Rifenbark – Rosebud Theatre; Ellie Dantibo – Ellie’s Dance Studio; and Amanda Nash Shields – Public Spectacle.

Each participant will be given five minutes at the mic followed by five minutes of questions from a panel of judges in front of a live audience. The top three presenters will share $2,000 in prize funds to help their business grow. The top two pitchers will advance to the Pitch Night Finals – and a chance to compete for their share of $10,000 – on October 23rd.

Audience registration for the June 26th event is now open. Tickets are free, but attendees are asked to RSVP. For more information on how to apply, sponsor, or attend Umpqua Pitch Nights, go to: www.umpquagrowthtalks.com