business idea competition

Do you have a unique or innovative business idea or product?

The WV Hive Network, in partnership with WVU Tech Launch Lab, is excited to announce the return of Pitch Southern West Virginia, a business idea competition encompassing thirteen counties in southern West Virginia. The upcoming competition, to be held at WVU Tech in Beckley, WV, is open to residents and businesses located in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo Counties and WVU Tech students, faculty and staff. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm March 31, 2024.

Please note: ONLY those with new business ideas or business start-ups less than three years in operation are eligible to apply.

Applications will be divided into “incubation”* and “ideation”** divisions. They will be evaluated by a team of reviewers and finalists will be chosen to pitch their ideas in-person at WVU Tech in Beckley, WV on April 23, 2024.

*Incubation: applicant has registered their business and made first sales

**Ideation: applicant has registered their business but has not made first sales or has not registered their business (This division is ideal for students and entrepreneurs who want early feedback and pitch experience, but are not yet ready to launch.)

If you are chosen as a finalist, you will be provided additional details and opportunities for coaching on how to create a pitch presentation. Business registration will be verified for the incubation division.

During the in-person competition, you will have five minutes to present your idea to a panel of judges and explain why it is innovative and how it will make a difference to residents of southern WV. Your presentation will be followed by a brief question and answer period with the judges.

Prizes:

Incubation Division: First place: $2,000; Second place: $1,000; Third place: $750

Ideation Division: One prize: $1,000

Audience Favorite: $250

Prize money must be used to further the business idea. WVU Tech students also have the option of using it toward their education.

Questions should be directed to tech-launchlab@mail.wvu.edu.

Please submit your application through the form provided below. If having issues, you can access it by clicking here.

Please note: ONLY those with new business ideas or new business start-ups less than three years in operation are eligible to apply. You must reside or have a business in Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, McDowell, Logan and Mingo Counties or be a WVU Tech student or faculty member to apply. Winners within the past 12 months are ineligible.