Thrive Lowcountry Women's Conference

Biz Pitch Competition 

Women-owned businesses or aspiring women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply to compete in the Thrive Women's Conference BizPitch Competition which will celebrate the top 10 women-owned businesses at the Thrive Lowcountry Women's Conference. Contestants can enter to win cash and additional in-kind prizes that will be awarded to the finalists.

About the BizPitch Competition

To make it to the stage, you must develop a well written and strategically formulated plan and a rock star presentation. You’ll have help from our coaches along the way. These are professional individuals with years of experience starting, building and managing firms. From your application until presentation in September, you can fine-tune your plan and pitch to make you a strong contender for the cash and prizes.

• APPLICATION: To compete in the 2019 Thrive Women’s BizPitch Competition, you must submit your application by August 15 by 10pm EDT. All applications must be submitted by filling out the online application form. If selected, you will only present the business accepted by the selection committee.

• ELIGIBILITY: The Thrive Women’s BizPitch Competition is open to women-owned small business beginning or operating in Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, Chatham counties and who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry. Officers, directors, members, and employees of sponsors, the HHI-Bluffton Chamber or SC Lowcountry SCORE are not eligible to participate. To be an eligible, entrants must provide documentation confirming you meet these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in disqualification. Privately Owned Automated Teller Machines, Pawn Shops, Money Transfer, Transmittal or Remittance businesses, Personal Credit Institutions, Private Investment Companies, Massage, Escort and Tanning establishments, Parking Garages, Adult Video Tape Rental companies, and Casino, Gambling or Gaming businesses are not eligible.

• THE PITCH: The Competition is on the first day of the THRIVE Lowcountry Women’s Conference on Thursday, September 26^th. You will pitch in person in front of a live audience who will include: those who have registered for the Thrive Conference, special invited guests who may be investors in new businesses, and other interested parties (e.g. SBA, Economic Development Authority, Local Government leaders, etc.). 
  
  
• VENUE: Marriott Resort and Spa, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  
  
• AWARDS: The top three businesses will be recognized with cash and in-kind prizes. Awards will be presented on Thursday, September 26^th at 6pm at the Thrive Conference reception. After the pitches, the winners will be determined by the judges and announcements will be made!

• JUDGES: A panel of expert and experienced judges, all business professionals, will evaluate the eight selected business at the BizPitch. 
  
  
• TIME COMMITMENT: Preparing for a business pitch competition in front of a live audience requires time, effort, and energy. During preparation for the competition, deadlines will be provided for different aspects of the pitch. It is essential that you meet the deadlines provided. Our expectation is that you take this process seriously.
  
  
• PREPARATION: SC Lowcountry SCORE and our partners will provide you with a pitch template and any other additional resources to assist in getting ready for the BizPitch Pitch Competition at the information session in August 2018. In addition, competitors may be paired with a coach(es) to help guide them along in their pitch preparation and development over four weeks. Competitors will receive feedback from their preliminary pitch and with that information, they can use the time between August and September to fine-tune their plan and their pitch. Our goal is to assist you in preparation so that you can deliver your strongest pitch during the preliminary competition—and win your opportunity to pitch for the money at the September event!
  
  
• FEE: Your Thrive BizPitch Competition fee covers the facility, food and beverage, program expenses and a portion of prize funding. Your fee is non-refundable.   
  
  
• CONTACT: If you have any questions related to the application process please do not hesitate to contact SC Lowcountry SCORE at info@score.org.

Agenda

Thursday - September 26

3:30 - 5:30 pm - BizPitch and Vendor Tables are Open - Aspiring entrepenuers present their business ideas, concepts, and plans to the panel of expert judges for a chance to win cash prizes and awards which can be used towards the launch of the business. 

6:00 - 8:00 pm - Welcome Reception - All Biz Pitch contestants are invited to enjoy heavy hor'derves and drinks while you mingle, meet the speakers, shop at the vendor tables, and prepare for the action packed event on Friday. Includes 1 drink ticket.