Community Futures Thompson Country (CFTC) has announced a unique "large-scale entrepreneurial pitch competition" that will be similar in format to the popular television show Dragon’s Den. The competition, called "The Big Pitch", will take place in downtown Kamloops on Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kelson Hall Centre for Arts and Education.
"We are excited to host The Big Pitch and showcase the talent and innovation within our region's entrepreneurial community," Jennifer Brown‑Binns — projects and communications manager for CFTC — told Black Press. "This event reflects our vision and mission to promote community building and self-employment as a viable and rewarding career path. The enthusiasm and support we have received so far from our community regarding the competition, and everyone involved, has been very uplifting!"
The competition invites new small businesses to showcase their early-stage business in what Brown-Binns describes as a “unique opportunity” while presenting their concepts to a panel of local business professionals.
“Competitors will gain invaluable feedback as well as exposure, along with a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000, sponsored by Venture Kamloops and Community Futures Thompson Country” she said.
The prize also includes mentorship hours from an established business coach, Angie Olson Business Coach & Consultant. “The competition allows participants to engage in the initial closed-door pitch, having this special opportunity to showcase their concepts to a panel of seasoned experts," explained Brown-Binns. "The finalists chosen from the first round will then move forward to the live pitch in front of an audience, where the judges pick a final winner, and the audience will vote for People’s Choice.”
The free community event is open to all ages, and Brown-Binns invites everyone to “be part of the fun.”
“It really is a unique opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs that will drive economic growth in our region.”
Eligibility rules to enter The Big Pitch Competition are:
- A business must have less than $50,000 in revenue since the launch of the business.
- The business must have been in operation for less than 18 months.
- The business or operations must be based in Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Westwold, Pritchard, Chase, McLure, Barriere, Little Fort, Clearwater, Vavenby, Avola, or Blue River.
- The business or operation must show intent and/or ability to expand operations and pursue a physical business location.
- Submissions may be entered as individuals or teams; however, the maximum number of team members for a single pitch is limited to one person.
- A company may only submit one pitch to be considered for adjudication.
To learn more about the event, visit https://communityfutures.net/the-big-pitch-saturday-march-1st-at-kelson-hall/.
Community Futures is mandated to support small business development and rural economic diversification in British Columbia, actively working with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth. The CFTC services Kamloops and the surrounding communities of Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Westwold, Pritchard, Chase, McLure, Barriere, Little Fort, Clearwater, Vavenby, Avola, and Blue River.
For more information, contact Brown-Binns at jbrown@communityfutures.net or 250-828-8772.
