Applications are still open for Pitchfest WM 2016, the pitching competition that gives entrepreneurs a better chance of winning investment. Fifteen of the region’s most scalable businesses are already through to the shortlisting panels, with the hope of reaching the competition final at Venturefest West Midlands on Thursday 23 June, but there is still an opportunity for you to join them. Pitchfest was conceived and jointly organised by Aston University, the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick to overcome the hurdles that many entrepreneurs face when pitching for investment. It is the perfect platform for SMEs to raise your profile in front of a national audience of investors whilst also gaining skills and confidence. The competition gives you the opportunity to:
- Present to leading investors who are seeking investment opportunities
- Take advantage of pitching advice from industry leaders
- Raise the profile of your business in the region
- Win an award and provide a success story for the company CV
It is entirely free to take part; all you need to do is fill in a short application form. Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend a free workshop to refine their pitch with support from specialists at Aston, Birmingham and Warwick Universities as well as experienced investors. The next workshops take place on 25 April at the University of Warwick Science Park. Selected applicants will then be asked to pitch to an expert panel on either… 4 May at the University of Birmingham; 5 May at the University of Warwick or; 19 May at Aston University …where the finalists will be selected. Finalists will then pitch at the Pitchfest WM event at Venturefest WM on 23 June at the NEC. Anyone not selected to pitch will be invited to attend Venturefest WM, to exhibit with a stand and be included in the event materials. This is your chance to take part in this showcase event, with the chance of winning a prestigious award, and potentially also win interest from investors. If you’re interested in applying visit our website www.aston.ac.uk/pitchfest and if there is anything more you would like to know, please get in touch with the event team: centreforgrowth@aston.ac.uk / 0121 204 3225. SWM will be contributing to a workshop at VenturefestWM 2016. More information to follow soon.
