Barnesville Spark Your Startup Business Pitch Contest

Description

Spark Your Startup 2019!

The sixth annual entrepreneur event is sponsored by Stoneridge Software, Barnesville Economic Development Authority, Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, DBS, Inc., Midwest Bank and West Central Initiative. In-kind donations provided by CEO Solutions, J & J Braton Properties, Barnesville Main Street. 

Have you ever wanted to be on Shark Tank? We are looking for entrepreneurs who want a boost in the world of business ownership to participate in a “Business Pitch Contest,” held in Barnesville, MN. Finalists will compete for cash prizes and loan eligibility in a Business Pitch Presentation on Tuesday, October 15 at Barnesville Old City Hall Chambers. Deadline for entries will be Monday, September 16. Nominations are reviewed by contest sponsors and finalists will be chosen. All finalists will receive presentation coaching. Awards and entry rules are listed below.

At the presentation event on Tuesday, October 15, each presenter will have five minutes to present their business idea to the 3-person panel of judges.  The judges will have four minutes to ask questions to understand more about the viability of the business.  At the completion of the pitches, the judges will award the top two finishers and present them with cash awards.  There will also be a “People’s Choice” award which will be voted on by the public via an online survey at www.facebook.com/barnesvillebusinesspitch.

“The Spark Your Startup competition was a huge step forward for WalkWise (formerly WalkSmart). It provided a much-needed boost of confidence and some reassurance that my solution was worthwhile and that my plan was reasonable. It was also really fun to hear about the other startups in the region, and I have kept in touch with many of the other contestants. I would highly recommend applying to any entrepreneur!”  – Peter Chamberlain, founder of  WalkWise & 2017 Spark Your Startup Business Pitch Winner.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the Spark Your Startup event!

Business Pitch Contest Presentation
Tuesday, October 15 at 3:30 p.m.
2nd Level of Old City Hall
101 Front St S, Barnesville, MN 56514 

Awards
1st Place
$1,500 Cash 
$10,000 Forgivable Loan, business mentoring available
Free t-shirts with winner’s logo
One month free rent from J & J Braton Properties
One year free membership from Barnesville Main Street
2nd Place
$500 Cash
People’s Choice
$250 Cash (this could be in addition to other prize money if a top two finisher)
 
There is no requirement that the top finishers open a business in Barnesville, MN. However, the first place winner will be offered a $10,000 forgivable loan if they choose to open a business within the city by March 1, 2020. *Loan recipients must also meet additional eligibility requirements. Those who open a business in Barnesville can also take advantage of the Business Incentives program which provides (among other things) free utility set up and base charges for an entire year.