Wondering how to jumpstart your newest business ventures or bring a creative idea into reality?

Applications are now available for businesses operating in Tucker County to participate in an Entrepreneurial Pitch Contest. Awards will be distributed to applicants that present an innovative business project or idea by a panel of judges and a public vote.

Friday, May 26 is the deadline for applications, which should be submitted to edirector@tuckerfoundation.net. The Pitch Contest itself will take place Thursday, June 15 at the Tucker County High School, at which point finalists will present their proposal for a public vote. Awardees may receive a financial award to use to the benefit of their business or project and/or technical assistance that could include free logo design, legal services, accounting and financial services, and other business support. All applications may receive some technical assistance depending on need and availability.

So far, $8,500 has been raised; additional sponsors are being sought out to support this event. If you are interested in supporting Tucker County businesses by joining this project as a financial partner or if you’d like to provide technical assistance for an award, please contact Robert Burns at 304 – 478-2930.  Current sponsors include Vision Shared, Woodlands Community Lenders, the Tucker County Chamber of Commerce, Tucker County Commission, the City of Parsons, St. George Medical Clinic, the Community Foundation’s Tucker Community & Economic Development Fund, and Citizens Bank of West Virginia.

Any business, for-profit or non-profit, can submit an application so long as the proposal would positively impact Tucker County’s economic climate. Applying products and companies must be established in or operate in Tucker County to be eligible. The Pitch Contest will likely include a new business, existing business, and Parsons business award categories. More award categories may become available depending on additional funds raised or the amount and types of applicants that are received. The full application is available at www.tuckerfoundation.net.  Questions regarding the application or the Pitch Contest itself can be directed to edirector@tuckerfoundation.net or (304) 478-2930.

This project has been developed by a group of partner agencies, consisting of representatives from the Tucker County Development Authority, Tucker County Chamber of Commerce, Woodlands Community Lenders, Tucker Community Foundation, and the WVU Extension Service who are working alongside the WVU Launch Lab. The WVU Launch Lab has held several similar pitch competitions across the state.