Governor’s conference to feature business pitch competition
Nevada business owners will have the chance to show off what their business in September and make some money doing it.
The fifth annual Governor’s Conference on Business 2016, which is hosted by the State of Nevada Department of Business and Industry, will hold a business pitch competition, where the winner will walk away with $22,000 in cash and prizes. To qualify, the business has to be Nevada-based, in operation for two years or less and earn less than $250,000 in annual gross revenue. The event will be held at the Rio Conference Center.
Applications, which cost $50 and cover the applicant’s attendance to the conference, are due at 5 p.m. Aug. 19. Business owners who are selected as finalists will then give a two-minute pitch and answer questions from a five-judge panel on Sept. 30. An award for People’s Choice Award will be determined by an audience vote, where the winner will receive $1,000.
Kimberly Parker, vice president advertising for the Review-Journal, will be one of the judges for the competition.
Teri Williams, spokeswoman for the State of Nevada Department of Business and Industry, said that the judges will be looking for the company’s vision, the opportunity and risk of the business, and whether the product or service has competitive advantages, among other things.
Williams said it has not been determined yet if funding for traveling costs for out-of-town finalists will be offered.
Heather Doane, owner and founder of Corporate Performance, participated in the first competition, which was held last year.
“I had to go first, that’s what I remember,” she said with a laugh. “It was kind of like Shark Tank.”
Despite not winning the competition, she said it was a great experience to get exposure on her business, a wellness and fitness center at McCarran International Airport.
“I think it’s a fun way to pull the business community together,” she said. “I’ll definitely attend this year.”
Contact Melissa Gomez at mgomez@reviewjournal.com or at 702-383-0278. Find @melissagomez004 on Twitter.
