By: Ted Baker—
The Innovation Connector of Muncie is hosting the second annual BIG Idea Pitch competition for local entrepreneurs and innovators to “pitch” their business, business concepts, product or invention to a panel of judges from the business and investment community. There are many very creative and interesting concepts from people in our region, and this competition will showcase those ideas and offer what it takes to advance them. This event is for individuals in all phases of the business, including startup or pre-startup. High school seniors and college students also are encouraged to apply.
The BIG Idea Pitch competition is your chance to prove the potential of your business idea, meet people who can help you succeed, and potentially win a cash prize! Competitors will have three minutes to “hit it out of the park” before a panel of judges from the business and investment community.
The schedule of events is as follows:
OPENING DAY–Monday, October 19
Opening Day: Fun, informative session to find out what this is all about. The event will be held at the Innovation Connector. Ball Park Setting – Enjoy free hotdogs and stadium style treats. 6pm – 7:30pm. The BIG Idea Pitch Competition Application Forms will be available on-line this day too.
TRAINING CAMPS–Monday, October 26 and Monday, November 2
Cover Your Bases: Workshop Session #1 at 6-7:30 p.m. – Learn from experts (people who have already done it) – Learn what is needed to take your idea to reality.
Workshop Session #2 at 6-7:30 p.m.
THE DRAFT– Friday, October 30
Final Day to submit your BIG Idea Pitch application (submissions close at midnight).
SEMI-FINALS COMPETITION – Monday, November 9
Come out of the Dugout and be ready to qualify for the Finals! Competitors will pitch to a panel of judges. Five finalists will be selected to compete in the Finals to claim the place of The BIG Idea Pitch Winner 2015.
The BIG Idea Pitch Finals & Excellence in Innovation Awards – Wednesday, November 18
Throw Us Your Curve Ball! – Champion Final Competition at the Excellence in Innovation Awards Event held at the Horizon Convention Center. Attendees will be able to see and hear the five finalists from The BIG Idea Pitch competition – two minutes to pitch business ideas to a panel of three distinguished judges. The final results will be revealed that night with prize packages of nearly $40,000 in cash and services awarded.
All competitors will receive invaluable feedback, a fun experience, and valuable exposure to business leaders & potential mentors. For more details or to make a submission go to innovationconnector.com and click The BIG Idea Pitch link or contact Ted Baker at 765-285-4900.
The Big Idea Pitch 2015 and the Excellence in Innovation Awards are presented by the Innovation Connector and sponsored in part by First Merchants Bank, Ball State University, Ball Brothers Foundation, Indiana Michigan Power, MutualBank, Whitinger & Company, Star Bank and Ontario Systems.
You can read about Sean Brady’s success story after winning The BIG Idea Pitch last year at this link.
Sean Brady turned his love of craft beer into a business.
Ted Baker is Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector
