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 our next installment 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 entrepreneurs 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 submit an application is 8am, Monday, February 27, 2023.

Applications should be emailed to Diana Woods at:

[email protected]

Download an Application

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 evaluated by a team of reviewers and finalists will be chosen to pitch their ideas in-person at WVU Tech in Beckley, WV on March 30, 2023.

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

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 southern WV and beyond. Your presentation will be followed by a brief question and answer period with the judges.

A grand prize of $2,000 will be awarded. Second and third place winners will receive smaller awards. Prize money must be used to further the business idea. An additional prize will be awarded for the best pitch by a student (or student team) which can be used to further the business idea or education at WVU Tech.

Every member of the audience gets to vote for their favorite pitch! Audience votes will be factored into the overall score.

To attend, register here.

Please note: ONLY those with new business ideas or 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, faculty or staff member to apply.

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