Pitch Application Process and Instructions
Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2018
The Broward Office of Economic and Small Business Development is currently accepting applications from companies interested in participating in a pitch competition at the Broward and Beyond Business Conference taking place May 4, 2018 at the Signature Grand in Davie.
Applicants will select from ONE of the three categories of business to compete in: 1) Startup Business; 2) Growth-Stage Business; or 3) Non-Profit (Social Impact) Organization. Eligibility requirements for each category are outlined below. Applicants must meet all requirements to be eligible to compete within their selected category. For the competition, be prepared to present a one-minute elevator pitch and three minute product overview. Companies will not use slides, but should be prepared to describe their business or product and the problem it solves, the stage they are at, and the strengths of the founder and management team.
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Eligibility Criteria by Category
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Startup Business
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Growth Business
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Non-Profit Organization
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Business/Nonprofit or Residence must be based in Broward County
and have at least two years of relevant, practical experience
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Must be:
- A new, independent venture in the pre-seed, seed, or startup stage of the business life cycle;
- In operation less than three years;
- Able to convey a sustainable business model;
- Able to demonstrate user interest, engagement and adoption metrics.
- Prior capital raised does not exceed $50,000.
- Self-funded solo entrepreneurs with a great idea are encouraged to apply.
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Must be:
- Expanding an existing business into new or emerging and high-growth markets, or;
- Developing an innovative or unique market opportunity for an existing product or service.
- Able to convey a sustainable business model;
- Able to demonstrate user traction, engagement and adoption metrics;
- Prior capital raised does not exceed $50,000.
A
A
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Must be:
- Focusing on new solutions to social problems or cultural needs that are more effective, more efficient, or more sustainable than present solutions;
- Delivering value to society as a whole rather than private individuals or companies.
- Organizations of all sizes are encouraged to apply.
- A
- A
- A
- A
a
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Judging Criteria by Category
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Creativity: Originality of the idea
Potential: Longevity, actualization and profitability of the idea
Functionality: Usability and easy adoption of the idea.
Team/People: Who is your team and how will they make your company a success.
a
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Creativity: Originality of the idea
Potential: Longevity, actualization and profitability of the idea
Functionality: Usability and easy adoption of the idea
Team/People: Who is your team and how will they make your company a success.
a
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Impact: Social impact/return on mission
Scalability: Scalability of impact/innovation
Sustainability: Sustainability of program/venture
Team/People: Who is your team and how will they make your company a success.
a
a
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NEXT STEP
Companies interested in applying must complete this application by no later than Thursday, March 15, 2018. Three companies (one from each category) will be selected to present at the BizBeyond Pitch Comp on May 4th from 1:00 – 1:45 PM; the winner will be announced at the end of the session.
IMPORTANT: Not all applicants will be chosen. Only those selected will be notified by April 15th. Available prizes will be finalized by the conference. Additional details about participation will be provided to selected companies at that time.
If you have questions regarding the application or selection process, please contact pitch competition moderator Jane Teague, COO, Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research at jane.teague@florida-institute.com. If you have technical questions regarding the submission of the application, please contact Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, Community Relations and Outreach Section, at OESBDConference@broward.org or call 954-357-6400.
All application information will be kept confidential, however, if you are selected to participate, the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development reserves the right to collect brief company descriptions for publication in conference and press materials.