Don’t forget, The Pitch, the UK’s biggest small business competition, is returning to Bristol and your time to register closes in just over 2 weeks!
If you are running a small business under three years old and have a brilliant business idea that you’re convinced could be the next big thing, The Pitch is for you. You could win a whopping business-boosting prize package, expert coaching and more networking than you can shake a stick at.
The Pitch 2014 was hugely successful and is back in 2015 for its seventh year running with more prizes to be won, along with expert advice that can assist you in ensuring your business reaches its pinnacle.
“We’re passionate about helping startups by shining a light on fantastic entrepreneurial talent”
How it works
Registering is simple, there are two applications you are required to submit – a written one and a 90 second video providing a synopsis of your business to impress the judges. As long as your business is less than three years old you are eligible to apply (regardless of whether you are trading or not).
When entries close on 31 July, a shortlist of 100 contestants will be composed and announced in September. The lucky 100 will have the opportunity to attend The Pitch Boot Camps where they will be able to improve their pitching abilities with the help from intensive mentoring and training. Even if you don’t continue further into the competition, the skills you acquire and the things you learn will be invaluable, so it is well worth applying!
The judges will then choose the 30 finalists, and you’ll find out if you’re one of them by the end of October.
The final takes place on 12 November where the 30 will pitch their business idea to a live audience consisting of judges, investors and supporters. In addition, the final will be a chance to do some vital networking and include business breakout sessions, all of which will help your business get off its feet. You can find more information about how the competition works on The Pitch’s website.
Learn the tricks of the trade
Although the winner of the competition will receive extensive mentoring, training, and publicity for their business, the competition offers workshops to all contestants to help you perfect your business plan, gain advanced knowledge on pitching and introduces you to the best contacts, so there are benefits even if you don’t become a finalist.
Useful advice now
If you don’t fancy entering the competition, The Pitch’s website features free advice for people who are either interested in starting their own or those who have already established a small business.
Register for the Pitch 2015 here. You can see a full description of how the Pitch 2015 works on the Pitch website. You can also keep up to date with them on Facebook and on @The_Pitch on Twitter.
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Shona Wright
Shona covers all things editorial at TechSPARK. She publishes news articles, interviews and features about our fantastic tech and digital ecosystem, working with startups and scaleups to spread the word about the cool things they're up to.
She also oversees TechSPARK's social media, sharing the latest updates on everything from investment news to green tech meetups and inspirational stories.