The Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence is once again sparking the entrepreneurial spirit in Lebanon County with the announcement of its third annual Lebanon County PITCH competition.
Open to existing businesses seeking to expand and aspiring entrepreneurs alike, the PITCH competition offers a total of $8,000 in grant money to the winning contestants.
The competition will reach its conclusion with a live presentation on Oct. 24.
“The winners from previous PITCH competitions have done very well – expanding their business offerings, opening their doors, and more,” said Sherry Capello, chairperson of The Center (in addition to Lebanon City mayor). “We’re glad we were able to provide some assistance in helping them reach their goals.”
Participants must submit an interest to participate by Sept. 4. This declaration does not commit them to participate, but it is a required step to enter the competition. From now until October, The Center will provide free workshops and SCORE mentoring to help participants develop and finalize their business plans.
Business plan guidelines include providing contact information, a business name and concept, a sales and marketing plan, a SWOT analysis, financial projections, and a budget for how the grant money will be utilized. Optional items include recommendations and letters of support.
Final applications and business plans are due by Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. The live PITCH event will take place on Oct. 24, from 3 to 5 p.m., at The Center, located at 989 Quentin Road, Suite 1, in Lebanon.
Participation in the competition is free, and all related information and applications can be found at thecenterlebanon.org.
The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 grant, with the runner-up taking home a $3,000 prize. Winners will be announced at the PITCH event and receive local and regional media publicity. An additional $2,000 grant will be awarded to one of the final contestants by the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee.
For more details on the competition or to discuss involvement opportunities, visit The Center’s website or stop by The Center’s office.
All correspondence related to the competition can be sent to info@thecenterlebanon.org or mailed to The Center at 989 Quentin Road, Suite 1, Lebanon, PA 17042.
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