Entrepreneurs will have the chance to give a one-minute "elevator pitch" and compete to win a grand prize of $1,000 in the "Won in One," idea pitch competition on Thursday, January 18, at 6 p.m. at the Robert H. Rawle Enterprise Center in Ruston.
Won in One is a chance for would-be business innovators to give judges an elevator pitch of a business idea and receive feedback. An elevator pitch is a one-minute opportunity to summarize a business concept into its most basic yet compelling information. "An elevator pitch is totally essential for an entrepreneur or individual who is trying to get a new product, service, or concept out into the marketplace and commercialize that opportunity," according to Kathy Wyatt of the Technology Business Development Center.
Preparation for the competition could include attendance at the "Prepare For and Practice Your Pitch" workshop Tuesday, January 16 at 6 p.m. Kirk St. Amant, a professor at Louisiana Tech University will lecture on the key components of elevator pitches, how to present a pitch effectively, and what content should be included in a pitch. He will also host a question and practice session so that participants can get feedback before the big day.
The competition is described as an opportunity for networking as well, with the chance for entrepreneurs to get feedback from the judges and audience.
There are five prizes in total, ranging from $250-$1,000. The first place winner chosen by the judges will receive $1,000, second place $500, and third place $250. The People's Choice winner, who is chosen by the audience, will receive $750. There is also a special prize for a student winner, who will also receive $750.
More information on the "Won in One" competition is available at 318-257-3537 or by email at tbdc@latech.edu. More information on the "Prepare For and Practice Your Pitch" workshop is available here. Online registration is available here.