September 4, 2018 – Muncie, IN – The Innovation Connector of Muncie, Indiana is hosting the fifth 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. Jr High and High School students as well as college students are also 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 maybe even win a cash prize! Competitors will have just three minutes to pitch before a panel of judges.

 

The schedule of events is as follows:

Each Training Camp will be held at the Innovation Connector from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The BIG Idea Pitch Competition Application Forms will be available on-line Monday, October 22^nd.

 

TRAINING CAMPS –

Training Camp #1 – Monday, October 22^nd

What is the BIG Idea Pitch Competition? How do ideas happen? Forming an idea as a business

or product. What is the problem being solved? What is the opportunity being seized? From ideas to solutions – how to solve problems. Does your solution fully solve the problem/opportunity?

 

Training Camp #2 – Monday, October 29^th

Are there revenue streams and profit potential for this solution? Who else is currently solving the problem? How are others solving this problem? Why is your solution better or different? What value does your solution provide? How do I present and pitch? What is the judging criteria?

 

SEMI-FINALS COMPETITION – Monday, November 5^th  

All 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 2018.

 

The BIG Idea Pitch Finals & Excellence in Innovation Awards – Wednesday, November 14th  

The Final Competition will take place 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 – three minutes to pitch business ideas to a panel of distinguished judges. The final results will be revealed that night with prize packages of nearly $30,000 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, click The BIG Idea Pitch link here or contact Alexis Dishman at 765-285-4900.

 

The BIG Idea Pitch 2018 and the Excellence in Innovation Awards are presented by the Innovation Connector and sponsored in part by First Merchants Bank, Ball State University, Indiana Michigan Power, MutualBank, Whitinger Strategic Services, Whitinger & Company, Mathewson Law, Jay-Crew, Cooper Consulting, The NIIC, Shafer Leadership Academy, R&R Engineering, Ontario Systems, WLBC, Woof Boom Radio, and the Muncie Journal.