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PITCH CONTESTS2023-02-25T04:32:18+00:00

PITCH CONTEST

CONTEST OVERVIEW

Fast-paced, fun community events that help early-stage entrepreneurs gain valuable exposure and feedback on a business idea. Great opportunity to network, validate a business idea, and compete to win a cash prize. It is free for entrepreneurs to apply and free for all to attend.

PRIMARY BENEFITS

  • Absolutely no cost to participate.
  • Open to everyone.
  • Excellent way to validate a business idea and get feedback.
  • Great opportunity to meet and network with local business owners and leaders as well as potential customers.
  • Enables entrepreneurs to enhance their presentation skills in a friendly environment.
  • Opportunities to win cash prizes to help get a business started!

HOW IT WORKS

BOBKC’s Pitch Contests are lively two hour events that offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their business ideas with a friendly audience.

  • A pre-selected group of Entrepreneurs get the opportunity to pitch their idea to the audience including a group of judges and also set up a table to showcase their product/service. A pitch must be no longer than 2.5 minutes.
  • After the pitches, the judges will award three of the four cash prizes while the audience will vote on who will win the fourth cash prize.

NOTE: A group of entrepreneurs who are not selected to pitch will get an opportunity to set up a table to showcase their business idea. Attendees will vote to see if one of these entrepreneurs will also get the opportunity to pitch their idea.

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WHO SHOULD APPLY

BOBKC Pitch Contests are open to all individuals in or near in the BOBKC community at no cost.

Contests are open to people who are in the business idea stage, people who are looking to take a hobby to the next level, or those looking to pivot and grow an existing business. Business ideas across a wide range of industries are encouraged.

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Find out if there is an upcoming Pitch Contest and apply today. Pitch contests are held several times throughout the year so if there isn’t one right now check back soon, sign up for an enewsletter or email blackownedbusinesskansascity@gmail.com!

All submitted applications reviewed by volunteer readers who provide helpful feedback to all applicants.

Some entrepreneurs will be selected to pitch their idea and table during the Showcase while others will be selected to table during the event.

All those who apply are encouraged to attend our Pitch Contest Workshops where they can learn how to put together an amazing table and craft their pitch.

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FAQ’s

Q. Do I have to be a Kansas City resident in order to participate?2023-02-25T04:50:16+00:00

A: A: You should live in or near the Kansas City Area, even if it is held virtually.

Q. What do I say in my pitch?2023-02-25T02:15:15+00:00

A: With only 2.5 minutes to present an idea, entrepreneurs need to keep their pitch high-level and concise. BOBKC hosts free Pitch Contest workshops to help entrepreneurs prepare for their pitch presentation. As each pitch is only 2.5 minutes, it is important to know what judges are (and are not) looking for you to cover which is covered in this workshop.

Q. Who Provides Feedback?2023-02-25T01:53:48+00:00

A: All applicants will receive feedback from BOBKC volunteers who review each application and help the BOBKC staff make participant decisions. Those who pitch at the event will also receive real-time feedback from onsite judges.

Q. Who are the Judges?2023-02-25T01:55:35+00:00

A: BOBKC judges come from all industries and are considered leaders in the local community. Their job is to provide all pitchers with valuable feedback about how they can move their business forward but they also decide who wins prize money.

Q. What if I am not selected to pitch but I am selected to set up a table at the event?2023-02-25T01:59:03+00:00

A: Tabling is a great way to present a business idea to attendees as it offers a great opportunity to make connections. Participants may start partnerships and even land their first customers during a Pitch Contest.

Secondly, tablers still have an opportunity to get in front of judges by either being selected as the “audience choice” table or winning the random “wild card” table drawing

Q. Can I really win money?2023-02-25T02:00:51+00:00

A: Yes. Anyone who pitches is eligible to win some cash money. The judges will award three cash prizes while the audience votes on who will get the fourth cash prize.