Local entrepreneurs who want funding to get their projects off the ground or launch significant expansions can now apply to be part of a new business pitch contest taking place this upcoming spring.
The application window for “Show of Hands” now goes through March 25, with the contest officially taking place April 7 at the Emporia Arts Center. On KVOE’s Talk of Emporia recently, Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods detailed the contest format.
Entrepreneurs will have 10 minutes, seven minutes of direct presentation and three for questions and answers, to state their cases for crowdfunding, which will come as those in attendance vote — with their ticket dollars — for their favorite idea.
Ignite Emporia Director Rob Gilligan says this builds on Emporia’s ongoing Start Your Own Business class. It’s also different from the Emporia Entrepreneur Challenge aimed at students from Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College — and it directs entrepreneurs to use the funds they get within a certain amount of time.
Funds are held until there is “actual business activity,” according to Woods.
The Show of Hands effort has ESB Financial and Network Kansas on board as financial sponsors of cash grants, and more prospective funders are being sought now. Show of Hands is also seeking businesses wanting to help entrepreneurs in other ways like rent assistance, legal help and accounting support.
Applications for both new projects and significant business expansions are online at www.emporiamainstreet.com and are due March 25. Click here for the application link.
