From TV screens to college campuses, pitch competitions are hot.
They’re fun, competitive — and ultimately very lucrative — ways for entrepreneurs to get their ideas in front of the public.
Especially the kind of public that can help them go from startup to $ucce$$.
Which is why the StartUp Westport Pitch Competition is pitch perfect.
The new event — announced this morning — fits perfectly with the town’s public/private tech/innovation/entrepreneurship brand.
And — as anyone who has been to a StartUp Westport event knows — it draws a lively, creative and very cool crowd.
The Westport Pitch Competition offers early-stage startups a chance to win a non-dilutive, 5-figure cash prize
Just as importantly, it’s a way to plug into the town’s vibrant network of mentors, business leaders and passionate supporters.
Eligibility is simple and local: pre-institutional funding, a scalable business model, and a founder with Connecticut roots or strong state ties.
Applications are now open (click here for details). The deadline is 11 p.m. June 12.
The Pitch Competition is interactive. Coaching and support take place all summer.
In September, 4 finalists will be chosen to pitch “live shark tank-style” (though with more encouragement and, perhaps, less drama).
Winners will be announced November 20, at the Westport Library.
Peter Propp, StartUp Westport’s vice president, says, “We’re excited to provide a platform for Connecticut’s most innovative entrepreneurs.”
Pitch event co-chair Shobana Mani adds, “We have so much talent in the greater StartUp Westport community. We can’t wait to see who applies.”
And who — from right here in 06880 — has the Next Very Big Thing.
StartUp Westport’s Pitch Competition will be less sharky — and snarky — than this one. But still, quite creative.
