$5,000 business pitch contest deadline is Thursday. 

$5,000 business pitch contest deadline is Thursday. 

Entrepreneurs who have a business idea or an existing company in Mason County are encouraged to enter the Virtual 5×5 Business Pitch Competition by Thursday, October 15. 

Five entrepreneurs will present their ideas in a live, virtual event, and one individual will be chosen to receive a cash award from the Pennies from Heaven Foundation. Winning the contest could give an entrepreneurial venture a $5,000 jump-start. 

To be eligible, hopeful contestants must submit an application by October 15. A complete business plan is not required. A panel of judges will then shortlist initial applicants to five finalists, who will conduct a presentation during a live online event on October 29.

Rules of the competition include:

• Business must be located in Mason County.
• Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations are encouraged to enter.
• Can be a new or existing business
• Must have less than $250,000 revenue annually
• Past applicants are allowed to apply.
• Chosen finalists are required to speak during the online competition in front of a live, virtual audience.

Complete eligibility requirements and rules can be found http://momentumstartup.org/.

Applicants needing assistance in creating a business plan can book a free appointment with a mentor from the Ludington Chapter of SCORE either online or by calling 231-845-0324.  

To apply, head to http://momentumstartup.org.