Launchpad pitch competition returns to Maryville May 9
Event will pit five promising Blount County start-ups against each other for the eye of the judges and the audience.
The Sky City Entrepreneur Center has announced that the second annual Launchpad pitch competition will be held on May 9 at the historic White Star Station, 133 West Broadway Avenue in downtown Maryville.
In announcing the event that was last held on February 16, 2023, the organizers said five contestants will pitch their ideas for new start-ups before three local celebrity judges. “We’re looking for Blount County entrepreneurs with winning business propositions, a polished stage presence, and endearing personalities to take the stage at The Launchpad. This opportunity is ideal for businesses in the concept phase to one year in operation, or businesses adding a product line or service.”
Application deadline is April 19 at this link. To purchase tickets to attend, click on the same link.
The winner, as determined by the judges, will receive a cash prize of $3,000. Shannon Bryant, Executive Director at Sky City, described the unique nature of how the Audience Choice works. “It’s $5 per vote. The contestant with the most Audience Choice votes gets their pool of voting money, and the rest is a donation to Sky City. So if someone had the most votes with $500, they get the $500 minus processing fees.”
The Launchpad competition operates with support from Launch Tennessee‘s Community Partner Program.
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