Entrepreneurship starts at square one with an original idea and can blossom into a billion-dollar business. That’s the premise of Lenawee Now’s new business idea pitch contest: Square One.
Lenawee Now designed Square One so that people can share their business ideas with the world and get instant feedback and maybe even a little cash. Our community has a rich tradition of great entrepreneurs and their new ideas. “We want an event that showcases Lenawee’s ability to continue that tradition,” said Lenawee Now Business Acceleration Manager, Gary Clemetson. “We want people to share their ideas—big or small—so that we can help them make their vision a reality.”
Lenawee Now will be accepting idea submissions online at www.squareoneidea.com until February 1, 2018. Once all submissions have been entered, the voting committee will review and select five finalists. The finalists will then pitch their idea at the event to our judges and the audience at large.
The event will take place on March 1, 2018, at Cotton Brewing Company in Adrian, Michigan. Prior to the finals, Lenawee Now will work with the finalists to help develop their pitch. “Creating a strong pitch is the first step in becoming a successful business owner. We want our candidates to feel confident with their ideas, which is why we are providing a professional pitch coach,” explained Lenawee Now Director of Operations, Tim Robinson. Each of the finalists will be given five minutes to pitch their idea, wow the crowd, and win the Judges “Idea Genius” award for $1,000 and or the “Audience Choice” award for $250.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be sponsoring this event,” said Lenawee Now Executive Director, Jim Van Doren. “Here at Lenawee Now, we understand the value of entrepreneurship. It takes a very uniquely skilled and driven person to start a business, and we believe this contest will be a great opportunity for potential entrepreneurs to shine.”