NewBoCo has announced a $15,000 prize pool for the ENTREFest Pitch Competition at the annual entrepreneurship conference set for June 11-12 in downtown Iowa City.
Now in its second year of partnership with Hy-Vee, the competition is open to Midwest-based companies less than five years old. All applicants must be registered ENTREFest attendees.
A panel of judges will review submissions and select five finalists, who will be announced during the Friday morning keynote. Finalists will pitch on Friday afternoon in a format that gives each founder three minutes to present, followed by two minutes of Q&A. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, along with a People’s Choice award.
“Last year, more than 60 businesses entered the competition, and this year we expect to attract around 80 entrepreneurs and innovators,” said Jan Finlayson, events coordinator at NewBoCo. “The application process, requiring only a short submission and a brief video pitch, is intentionally approachable for startups and small businesses alike.”
Brett Spiker, assistant vice president of procurement at Hy-Vee, said the company sees the competition as an extension of its broader interest in regional innovation.
“At Hy-Vee, we believe entrepreneurship and innovation can come from anywhere,” Mr. Spiker said. “We’re proud to support Iowans who are developing bold ideas, technologies, and services that have the potential to make a lasting impact on our communities.”
Last year’s winner, Mari Hunt Wassink of Black Earth Gardens, said the recognition provided her business with “valuable exposure, connections, and momentum.”
ENTREFest typically draws more than 350 entrepreneurs and professionals and covers topics ranging from AI integration to venture capital. Applications are available at entrefest.com.
NewBoCo is a Cedar Rapids-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose programming includes accelerators, tech education and community events.
