August 28, 2024 3:20 a.m.
The deadline is quickly approaching for Douglas County entrepreneurs to submit their ideas for new startup businesses in time to be considered for the final Pitch Night event of 2024.
A release from the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership said applications for the October 16th Pitch Night will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. next Wednesday September 4th.
UEDP Executive Director Brian Prawitz said the events are organized with the goal of launching new businesses that lead to future employment opportunities. Prawitz said, “Some of our largest employers in Douglas County started as new ideas, similar to what we see at Pitch Night”. Prawitz said investing in entrepreneurs is one of the organization’s priorities because of the potential for job creation.
On October 16th, six 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 also earn $250. Prize funds and additional support for Pitch Nights come through sponsorships from generous local companies.
Prawitz said each participant will be paired with a personal coach and will meet again a week before the big night to practice their presentations. The goal is for each person to develop the focus and messaging of their business idea for future success beyond their pitch night experience.
Pitch night happens at Backside Brewing in Roseburg, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Each event includes a networking period, emphasis on successful local entrepreneurs, more information about past winners, and support and encouragement for people who want to start their own business.
Major sponsors for the series include The Ford Family Foundation, Aviva Health, Con-Vey, Southern Oregon Workforce Investment Board, Umpqua Community College, Oregon Pacific Bank, Glide Revitalization and Lone Rock Resources.
More information on applying, sponsoring or attending Umpqua Growth Talk Pitch Nights is available at: www.umpquagrowthtalks.com