Las Vegas, NV -
June 16, 2016Nevada-based startup companies
looking for an opportunity to showcase their products or services while
competing for a shot at cash and prizes should look no further. The Governor’s Conference on Business 2016
will again include a business pitch competition as part of the premiere business
resource and networking conference. A two minute pitch in front of a panel of
judges will net two entrepreneurs cash and prizes totaling $22,500. And for the
first time, an audience vote will determine the winner of the People’s Choice
Award and $1,000.
The competition, sponsored by
AT&T, Microsoft and Vast, is open to Nevada-based businesses that have been
in operation two years or less and have less than $250,000 in annual gross
revenue. The application process is open to businesses located anywhere within
the State, but applicants must be able to travel to Las Vegas in late September
to make a live pitch if selected as one of 10 finalists.
“This competition is a twist on the traditional pitch competitions. You
need to already be in business with all of the necessary licenses and the entry
is not limited to technology startups. Businesses from any and all industries
are encouraged to apply,” said Bruce Breslow, Director of the Department of
Business and Industry.
Key dates and details:
- To apply, a business must
submit a $50 application fee and a completed application packet to the
Department of Business and Industry by 5 p.m. August 19. The application fee also provides
admission for one to the conference and luncheon.
- Competition judges will
review and score all qualified submissions to select 10 finalists and two
alternates.
- Ten finalists will make a two
minute in-person pitch in front of the judge’s panel at the Governor’s
Conference on Business 2016 on September 30, 2016.
- First, Second and People’s
Choice awards and prizes will be announced and presented to the winners during
the conference luncheon program.
About the Governor’s Conference on Business 2016
The
5th annual Governor’s Conference on Business, hosted by the State of Nevada
Department of Business and Industry, is a comprehensive business resource and
networking event designed for businesses looking to grow or expand, and entrepreneurs
seeking to launch a new venture. The
event is taking place Friday, September 30 at the Rio Conference Center.
Conference
participants will have access to 100+ business service providers, funders,
development authorities, government entities and B2B companies at the Business
Resource Expo. Networking opportunities are available throughout the morning
and exhibitor registration for the Expo is open.
For
the first time in Las Vegas, the conference will host a Business Pitch Competition. The winning companies will be awarded a cash
and in-kind services prize package totaling $23,500 and recognition at the
conference luncheon. A panel discussion
on entrepreneurship for the next generation will also be held.
The
conference will conclude with a luncheon featuring a special guest speakers
Kristi Overgaard, EVP of Awesomeness, Adam Kramer, VP of Strategy from Switch
and a keynote address by Governor Brian Sandoval.
Attendee
tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door.
Exhibitor registration is $275 for nonprofit and $375 for B2B.
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