1Berkshire to Hold Pitch Competition

BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MA – 1Berkshire will host a series of pitch competitions on March 8, April 5, and May 3, 2016. Each competition will have a theme: general business, creative economy, and food/farming/agriculture respectively. Application deadlines are February 18 for the March competition, March 17 for April, and April 14 for May.

These competitions are part of 1Berkshire’s Berkshire Starts program which connects entrepreneurs with many available resources, including critical early stage funding. Pitch contests are great ways to refine business ideas, build confidence, connect with peers and mentors, and gain access to investors.

Interested startups or business owners should apply online at https://form.jotform.com/60255169953159 or submit a paper application to 66 Allen Street, Pittsfield MA 01201 by the appropriate deadline. All applications must be complete to be considered. Notifications will be sent to all applicants one week after the application deadline. Five finalists per event will be accepted.

Finalists will have 10 minutes each to present their pitches before a panel of judges. Bring a PowerPoint, prototype, or other materials to tell a compelling story and make the best impression possible. Judges will have 5 minutes after each pitch to ask follow-up questions and allow you more time to seal the deal. First, second, and third place pitches will be awarded small cash prizes and all participants will be given valuable feedback from the judges.

Pitch competitions will be open for public viewing, limited by space. All pitch competitions will be held at The Stationery Factory in 63 Flansburg Avenue, Dalton Mass. From 5:30 – 7:30 PM. For additional information or if you have questions, please contact David Curtis at dcurtis@1berkshire.com.

This pitch event series is generously sponsored by iBerkshires.com

About 1Berkshire

1Berkshire is a countywide organization with an innovative approach to economic development that leverages the considerable strengths of existing organizations (The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Berkshire Creative, and the Berkshire Visitors Bureau).  For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.