Linn Area Credit Union (LACU) and the NewBo City Market (NBCM) are partnering to bring a unique “pitch event” to the Market.
The event features a business development summit with an opportunity for an entrepreneur to win a space at the Market rent-free for a year through funds provided by the credit union.
“Linn Area has been a longtime supporter of NewBo City Market,” said Corey Sanborn, chief business development and community impact officer for Linn Area Credit Union. “By sponsoring the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year program, we not only support the mission of NewBo City Market, but also provide financial support to fund the dream of a startup business. It’s a way for an emerging business to get noticed, plus it brings a new product or service to our community.”
Through a pitch competition, a winning local entrepreneur will be selected as the LACU Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. The winner will receive a rent-free space for a year inside NBCM.
The pitch event features an entrepreneurial summit on March 24, providing networking and business development resources and seminars for the Emerging Entrepreneur finalists and community members.
Finalists competing for the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award will be able to showcase their business on March 25 by selling their products or services at the Market that day. The event will culminate in a pitch-style presentation by the finalists, with a panel of business development specialists selecting the LACU Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.
In a news release, NewBo City Market executive director Julie Parisi said she’s thrilled with this new pitch event approach and what it means to emerging entrepreneurs.
“The idea for a pitch-style competition has been in the Market hopper for several years now, and it is because of our partnership with Linn Area Credit Union that we can bring it to life. I’m looking forward to seeing what new business concepts will emerge and how we can assist the summit participants with achieving their business goals.”
