IdeaFest is an exciting, fast-paced business pitch competition where 20 finalists pitch an original business idea to a panel of expert judges and a live audience and compete for $10,000 in prize money. The top three competitors will be awarded $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. Competitors have 3 minutes to present their idea followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges’ panel.

Winners of the competition will also be eligible to receive twenty-five hours of free business consulting from The Launch Place. The Launch Place, assists with business formation, job creation and retention through its business consulting services and investment funding, while having a dual responsibility to recruit and retain entrepreneurs to the Dan River Region. The IdeaFest competition exposes The Launch Place’s services and funds to start-up companies that are ready to establish or seeking early stage capital. The Launch Place could potentially invest in the company from its Seed and Pre-Seed Funds.

Awards

• 1st Place $5,000
• 2nd Place $3,000
• 3rd Place $2,000

IdeaFest is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to attend any part of the day’s activities. Community members of all ages and professions are invited to attend to learn about the region’s startup development resources, to network with a wide range of business professionals and to explore entrepreneurship as a career option. Click the button below to save your spot for the 10th Annual IdeaFest!