June 26, 2024 2:50 AM
The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership will host its next Umpqua Growth Talks Pitch Night on Wednesday, July 17th.
UEDP Executive Director Brian Prawitz said small business owners from a variety of industries will present their growth plans in front of a panel of judges and an audience for a chance to win a $10,000 first place prize.
“One of our primary roles is to support the entrepreneurial network,” Prawitz said. “Successful small businesses stimulate the economy and create jobs. We look forward to watching these companies succeed and expand.”
According to the announcement, the partnership received 28 applications from small business owners across the county via its website. The six finalists selected by the Pitch Night committee are Brent Farmer (Tyee Landing), Clayton Brelage (Jumptastic Rentals), Lindsay Rose (Electric Rose Auto Salon), Isaiah Weiss (Learn Sesh), Eric Andrews (Say Yes to the DJ) and Jodi Brown (Atom Bistro).
Each small business owner is paired with a personal coach and will meet again one week before the big day to practice their presentation in front of each other and all six coaches. The goal is for each owner to go beyond their pitch night experience and further develop the focus and messaging of their business for future success. “Entrepreneurship is thriving in this region,” said Prawitz. “It's encouraging and exciting to see fresh ideas that could develop into the next homegrown success stories.”
In addition to the $10,000 first place prize, second place winners receive $5,000 and third place and the audience popular vote winner each receive $2,500. The $20,000 prize money is provided by the business community. Major sponsors of the series include the Ford Family Foundation, Aviva Health, Convey, Umpqua Community College, Oregon Pacific Bank and Lone Rock Resources.
Since its inception in 2019, Umpqua Growth Talk Pitch Nights for startups and small businesses has distributed more than $50,000 to local entrepreneurs through its programs.
For more information on applying, sponsoring or attending Umpqua Growth Talk Pitch Nights, please visit www.umpquagrowthtalks.com .
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