‘Delta Challenge’ Pitch Competition In Jonesboro On Saturday

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 168 views 

The idea you may have for a new business may be a challenge, but you have an opportunity Saturday to pitch your idea to someone who may be able to help.

The Delta Regional Authority is sponsoring “The Delta Challenge” event at the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development on University Loop at 1 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 28).

Up to 16 startup-company representatives will be identified to represent an eight-state region and receive a fellowship to participate in a special segment of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week March 25-27.

In order to participate, a person or a startup organization must live or work within the 252 counties that the DRA serves, generate less than $1 million in annual revenue, be for-profit and have less than five employees.

Award funds may be used for participation and training, travel assistance and lodging.

The applicant also has to submit a brief business summary outlining the company.

The summary must include company information, products or services offered, a market analysis, risk the company faces, financial statement for sustainability, how you plan to use marketing, production and financial strategies to move forward.

Shawnie Carrier, the interim director for the Delta Center, said the opportunity is there for budding entrepreneurs.

“The Delta Center for Economic Development is proud to have been selected as one of five Delta Challenge venues within the eight-state DRA region. Connecting entrepreneurs to resources and to each other has proven to be a key component to success,” Carrier said.

“Saturday’s event provides participants that opportunity. ASU staff representing the Delta Center, the Small Business and Technology Department Center, and Catalyst Innovation Accelerator will join the event and provide ongoing technical assistance to inventors and entrepreneurs in eastern Arkansas,” Carrier added. “In addition to meeting the team at A-State, the opportunity to connect to a larger network at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week on March 25-27 is significant with some of the nation’s most creative minds on hand to conduct learning sessions and investors who are looking for the next big thing.”

For more information contact the Delta Center, 870.972.3000.