Welcome to the iDEA Community Pitch Challenge!

The iDEA (innovateDahlonega Entrepreneurship Accelerator) Community Pitch Challenge is designed to inspire and support local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators in Lumpkin County. This event provides a platform for participants to pitch their business ideas, gain valuable feedback from industry experts, and compete for funding to help grow or launch their ventures.
The event is part of the Google Rural Communities Grant, administered by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) at the University of North Georgia. We are thrilled to have you participate and look forward to seeing your innovative ideas come to life!

Event Details

• Application Deadline: October 28, 2024, by noon.
• Selection for Pitches Announced: November 1, 2024, by 5:00 PM
• Pitch Challenge Event: November 7, 2024, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Launch Pad, Dahlonega
• Winners Announced: At the event, after all pitches have been evaluated.

For more details, visit: ung.edu/center-entrepreneurship-innovation.

Other Marketing Copy:
Do you have an innovative business idea? Enter the iDEA Community Pitch Challenge and compete for your chance to win up to $10,000 in funding! Whether you’re an early-stage business or looking to launch your first venture, this is your opportunity to bring your idea to life. 

• 1st Place: $10,000 
• 2nd Place: $6,000 
• 3rd Place: $4,000 

Example Email Content:
Subject Line: Compete in the iDEA Community Pitch Challenge – Win Up to $10,000!
Body:
Dear [Name],
Do you have a business idea you’re passionate about? The iDEA Community Pitch Challenge is your opportunity to turn that idea into reality! Compete for funding, connect with local experts, and gain mentorship through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNG. Apply by October 28, 2024, for your chance to win up to $10,000!
ung.edu/center-entrepreneurship-innovation
Join us for the event on November 7, 2024, from 3-5 PM at The Launch Pad, Dahlonega.
Looking forward to your pitch!

Eligibility Criteria:
1. Business Stage:
• Open to early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs, existing small businesses and nonprofit organizations looking to grow or launch a new product/service.
• Applicants may be pre-revenue or generating limited revenue but must show a clear plan for growth.
2. Location:
• Business must be based in or have a significant impact on Lumpkin County or the surrounding areas.
3. Industry:
• Open to businesses across all industries, but special consideration may be given to businesses that focus on innovation, community development, or sustainability.
4. Team Size:
• Solo entrepreneurs or teams of up to 5 members can apply.
Pitch Requirements:
1. Pitch Duration:
• Each pitch should be between 5-7 minutes, followed by a 3-minute Q&A session with the judges.
2. Pitch Content:
• Include the problem you are solving, your solution, the market opportunity, your business model, how you will use the funding, and the impact your business will have on the community.
3. Visual Aids:
• Applicants are encouraged to use PowerPoint slides, demos, or other visual aids to enhance their pitch.
Funding Parameters:
1.Use of Funds:
• Prize funds must be used to further the development of the business, such as:
• Product development or prototyping.
• Marketing and branding efforts.
• Technology investment (software, equipment).
• Operational expenses or business expansion.
• Recipients will be required to submit a use-of-funds plan post-event.
Evaluation Criteria:
1. Innovation (20%):
• Is the business idea creative or innovative? Does it address a significant need in the market?
2. Feasibility & Scalability (20%):
• Can the business model be realistically implemented, and is there potential for growth?
3. Community Impact (20%):
• How will the business positively impact Lumpkin County? Does it contribute to job creation, sustainability, or local needs?
4. Use of Funds (20%):
• Is there a clear plan for how the prize money will be used to grow or launch the business?
5. Presentation (20%):
• Is the pitch clear, engaging, and well-structured? Does the entrepreneur effectively communicate the potential of the business?
Application Process:
1. Application Submission:
• Submit an application outlining your business idea, growth plan, and how you will use the prize money at ung.edu/center-entrepreneurship-innovation.
2. Deadline:
• Applications must be submitted by noon on October 28, 2024.