EntreFEST, Iowa’s premier entrepreneurship and innovation conference, returns June 12-13, offering professionals the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and take charge of their success.
Organized by NewBoCo, this year’s event will feature a pitch competition on June 13 at Big Grove Brewery, sponsored by Hy-Vee. The competition will showcase Iowa-based startups vying for funding to accelerate their growth.
“At Hy-Vee, we believe that small businesses play an integral role in local economies by driving innovation, job creation and community growth,” said Adriana Johnson, director of Community Impact and Belonging at Hy-Vee. “Supporting entrepreneurs through initiatives like the EntreFEST Pitch Competition is an example of how Hy-Vee serves our communities. We are honored to be part of this exciting opportunity and to support the very first competition hosted by NewBoCo.”
According to a release, the competition is open to Iowa-based businesses operating for less than three years. Participants must be EntreFEST ticket holders and submit an application and pitch deck by June 1.
Cash prizes include $7,500 for first place, $3,500 for second, $1,000 for third, and a $3,000 People’s Choice award.
Alex Taylor, director of entrepreneurship at NewBoCo, emphasized the significance of this competition for Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Because of Hy-Vee’s generosity, EntreFEST can now host a pitch competition, which will be a fantastic opportunity for emerging businesses to gain exposure, secure funding, and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experienced judges. And because of the visibility and popularity of this conference, I anticipate the Pitch Competition will attract startups from all over the state,” he said.
The pitch competition is free to the public. For more details, visit entrefest.com/pitch-competitions.
