June 13, 2026 3:30 a.m.

The lineup is set for the next Pitch Night event presented by the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership.

A Partnership release said small business owners specializing in duck calls, refurbished furniture, Japanese cuisine, chocolate fondue, painting classes and event design will be in the spotlight on Thursday night June 26th at Backside Brewing in Roseburg. Each finalist will have five minutes to present their business or business idea to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Judges will also have five minutes to ask questions of each entrepreneur before deciding the winners.

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.

The six contestants that have been chosen for this round are: Buddy Bradley – Wyatt’s Waterfowl Company; Shawn Garret – Serendipity; Jessica Saig – Create & Sip Studio; Eric Sklarew – Upscale Resale; Jill Fay – Better Together Events & Rentals; and Manami Lee – Kuma’s Table.

The Partnership received 16 applications from business owners throughout Douglas County. Each small business owner has been paired with a personal coach and will meet again a week before the big night to practice their presentation in front of one another and all six coaches.

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 Pitch Night, go to: www.umpquagrowthtalks.com.