December 13, 2023 3:50 a.m. 

The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership recently announced the return of Umpqua Growth Talk Pitch Nights beginning next month.

Applications are now being accepted for the first event – a Small Business Pitch Night January 17th at Backside Brewing in Roseburg.

A UEDP release said Pitch Nights invite entrepreneurs with business ideas and small business owners to pitch their concepts to a panel of judges for prize money intended to help their idea or business grow. The pitches take place in front of a live audience. Those in attendance also get to cast a vote for their favorite presentation. The first event, a Small Business Pitch Night, is open to businesses that have surpassed $5,000 in revenue.

The first step in the process of pitching a small business concept is to apply through the organization’s website. Six candidates will be selected from the application pool and be given the opportunity to work with coaches who will help improve the impact of each presentation.

The Pitch Night schedule includes networking at 5:30 p.m., Pitch Night program at 6:00 p.m., winners announced at 7:30 p.m. following by an after-party, which runs until 8:00 p.m.

More information is available at www.umpquagrowthtalks.com