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Local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will receive support in shaping their business pitches and compete for a chance to win funding from a $25,000 prize pool.
The Douglas County Pitch Competition, sponsored by Black:30 and Douglas County CORE, is open to people with businesses at any stage: idea, ready to launch, early stage or fully operational.
CORE founder and CEO Kyle Johnson said this will be a “great way to incubate ideas and early-stage entrepreneurs” and help established companies grow.
In April 2023, CORE hosted its first startup pitch competition. 12 companies participated. The expansion of marketing opportunities is part of Black:30 and CORE’s two-year plan to build entrepreneurship in Lawrence and Douglas counties.
This time, 18 pitch slots will be allocated (9 for technology companies and 9 for non-tech companies). Application to participate is free.
Black:30 President Taylor Overton said spots are still available and applications will be accepted until Monday, April 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Prizes are intended to support start-up or business expenses. First place earns him $4,000. 2nd place, $3,000. 3rd place, $2,500. 4th place, $1,500. From 5th place he will earn $300 each to 9th place.
Weekly training sessions are aimed at preparing participants for the competition. Black:30 and CORE experts provide pitch deck templates and tips on what investors are looking for. You can also browse other training and financing programs.
The Douglas County Pitch Contest is scheduled to be held at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, 1266 Oread Ave., on Thursday, April 25th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each participant will be allocated pitch time.
To pitch, participate, volunteer or donate, register on the CORE website at douglascountycore.com/pitch-2024.
Participants will attend four group sessions held on April 11, 16, 18, and 23 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the KU Innovation Park Auditorium, located in the building on the left at 2033 Becker Drive. You can practice your pitch with .
If needed, participants can also use Calendly’s online form to book a solo meeting for one-on-one support.
For more information on training sessions, visit CORE’s website at douglascountycore.com/events. For more information about Black:30, visit black30.org.
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Stock reporter Maya Hodison (she/her) can be reached at mhodison (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more about her work at the Times here. Check out her staff profile here.
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