Delta Group Seeking Fellows Through 6 Pitch Competitions

The Delta Entrepreneurship Network (DEN) is seeking its second round of fellows to join the inaugural class of DEN fellows through six Delta Challenge pitch competitions across the region this fall.

Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill today announced the six Delta Challenge pitch competitions to be held throughout the eight-state Delta region, including one in Little Rock on November 5th at The Venture Center.

“As we enter the second year of the Delta Entrepreneurship Network, the DRA is excited to identify 36 new entrepreneurs and support organizations that will join the vibrant entrepreneurial network and ecosystem built by the drive, talent, and innovation we have in the Delta region,” Masingill said. “We have seen exciting growth and opportunities for our inaugural class of Delta Entrepreneurs this year, and we look forward to connecting the next class of fellows to this national platform.”

The Delta Challenge begins with a full-day kickoff event in Memphis, Tenn. and over the course of the six competitions will identify up to twenty entrepreneurs and sixteen entrepreneurship support organizations. These individuals and groups will receive a fellowship for technical assistance and training to enhance entrepreneurship capacity and opportunities in the Delta region.

The fellows will also participate in a special segment of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), the premier entrepreneurship festival in the South produced by The Idea Village, leveraging engaging workshops and mentorship from panelists and other industry experts. NOEW is scheduled for March 11-18, 2016.

“Research indicates that 75% of all venture capital is being invested in just three states, California, New York, and Massachusetts,” said Tim Williamson, Co-founder and CEO of The Idea Village. “By partnering with the DRA, we are leveraging our collective efforts to showcase the South as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and new thinking. Join us for New Orleans Entrepreneur Week in March to see the action and impact firsthand.”

Those interested in competing can register for each competition at dra.gov/entrepreneur, where they must submit a business summary at least a week before the competition they plan to attend.