'Launch Rural Nevada' entrepreneurial pitch competition opens
RENO — StartUpNV, a nonprofit statewide incubator and accelerator for Nevada-based startup companies, is again hosting Launch Rural Nevada Pitch Day, an annual event for anyone in rural Nevada with a business idea or existing business to pitch their concept, gain expert advice, and possibly win a cash prize to help make their business real.
Friday, Oct. 14 is the deadline to apply online to be selected to pitch on Launch Rural Nevada Pitch Day that will take place on Nov. 4.
Specifically designed for startups and small business owners in rural Nevada, Launch Rural Nevada Pitch Day offers four individuals or groups with a business concept the opportunity to make a five-minute pitch on an original business idea to a panel of judges and an audience of entrepreneurs, small business owners, potential investors, students, and community leaders. Pitches will take place virtually and in person at Great Basin Community College in Elko and Western Nevada College in Carson City.
The competition consists of two categories. The Youth Division is open to middle and high school students from rural Nevada school districts, and the Adult Division is open to participants 18 years and older who reside in rural Nevada. Applicants will be notified by Oct. 18 of the organizing committee’s selections for finalists to pitch at the event on Nov. 4.
“Whether you’re looking for business advice, access to capital, or simply trying to connect with other small business owners, this event offers great opportunities to support and build the entrepreneurial community in rural Nevada,” said Jeff Saling, executive director of StartUpNV. “This program is even more exciting because it engages student entrepreneurs in middle and high school to participate too.”
Cash prizes offered for both the youth and adult divisions include $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, $1,000 for third place, and $250 for Audience Choice. The event will also offer a half day of education prior to the pitches, including information on funding sources, past winners' stories, and a discussion about social media marketing.
About StartUpNV
StartUpNV is a 501(c)3 non-profit statewide startup accelerator and business incubator for scalable Nevada startups, providing expert mentorship and access to a network of capital partners. StartUpNV’s founders, mentors, university connections, investors, and business partners work together to grow and support a robust, inclusive startup ecosystem in Nevada. StartUpNV’s related venture funds, FundNV, AngelNV, and a new seed fund provide local startups access to a network of capital partners for funding along with education for entrepreneurs and angel investors. Since its inception in 2017, StartUpNV has heard pitches from nearly 700 startups, incubated 52 companies, and raised $70-plus million in venture capital for more than two dozen companies.