The West Virginia Hive has announced the Fall 2024 Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition, with more than $5,000 in prizes awarded to the top five participants.
Diana Woods, collegiate project manager at the WV Hive, says the deadline for applications from entrepreneurs is noon on Tuesday, October 15.
“The stages of the competition are designed to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship within the community,” says Woods. “The competition offers budding entrepreneurs and startups the chance to showcase their groundbreaking ideas.”
The top five applicants will pitch in person at 5:30 p.m. on November 14 at the Life Sciences Building on the West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) Campus in Beckley, WV.
The competition is open to residents and businesses located in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo counties. Students enrolled at WVU Tech are also eligible to participate.
The first place winner will be awarded $2,500, the second place winner will be awarded $1,000 and three honorable mentions will be awarded $500.
Additionally, the finalist who receives the most votes from the audience will be awarded $250 for the Audience Favorite prize.
Finalists chosen to pitch will be notified on October 25, 2024. Those interested in participating should submit their proposals through wvhive.com/business-idea-competition/.
For more information, including competition guidelines and how to apply, as well as a link to register to attend the event, please visit wvhive.com/business-idea-competition/ or contact Woods at dwoods@nrgrda.org or 304-712-3817.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Beth Epperson at bepperson@nrgrda.org or 304-460-4483.
