NEW ORLEANS — Start-ups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in Louisiana are invited to apply to the Get Started Louisiana pitch competition for a chance to win a $10,000 prize package and showcase their savvy business ideas.
Sponsored by Cox Business in partnership with PitchBR, Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week (BREW) and the New Orleans Saints, five finalists will compete during the event slated for Thursday, November 15 at the Estuary at The Water Institute of the Gulf. Entrepreneurs can submit their pitch applications now through Sunday, October 15, at getstartedlouisiana.com.
“For almost 20 years, Cox Business has been supporting area businesses with telecommunications products and service to fit their size and needs,” said Leigh King, vice president of Cox Business Louisiana. “Get Started Louisiana is another example of our commitment to Louisiana’s innovative spirit and the collaborative experiences that help our region remain competitive.”
Get Started Louisiana offers entrepreneurs the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with potential investors, successful business leaders and other Get Started competitors and winners. Participants deliver an elevator speech in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.
Get Started Louisiana is now in its fourth year. This year’s competition will take place as part of BREW’s PitchBR.
“Get Started Louisiana culminates our year-long PitchBR series and provides a perfect opportunity for companies to gain exposure for their great ideas and products,” said Louisiana Technology Park Executive Director Stephen Loy. “While there's only one grand prize, all pitchers will benefit from the experience.”
Pitchers also receive audience and panelist feedback, coaching from prominent business consultants and connections to non-funding resources, such as professional services donors and providers.
Hera Health Solutions of Atlanta recently earned an automatic spot in the competition as the winner of the Cox-Business-sponsored Get Started Medical pitch contest held in August at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In partnership with Accelerate South and the Lafayette General Foundation, Get Started Medical showcased entrepreneurs from across the country and their innovative medical solutions.
“Pitch competitions like Get Started Louisiana are such great and supportive environments where you really have nothing to lose,” said Idicula Mathew, co-founder of Hera Health Solutions. “Putting yourself in a space where experts can analyze and ask you questions about your company can only help your company grow.”
