innovateDahlonega Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA) Community Pitch Challenge

November 7, 2024, 3-5 p.m.

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.

This challenge is part of the Google Rural Communities Grant, administered by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) at the University of North Georgia.

Apply for the iDEA Community Pitch Challenge

Dates

  • Application Deadline: October 28, 2024, by noon
  • Selections for Pitches Announced: November 1, 2024, by 5:00 p.m.

Location

For more information, contact the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Event Information

  • 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.
  • Location: Business must be based in or have a significant impact on Lumpkin County or surrounding areas.
  • Industry: Open to businesses across all industries, but special consideration may be given to businesses that focus on innovation, community development, or sustainability.
  • Team Size: Solo entrepreneurs or teams of up to five (5) members can apply.

Pitch Requirements

  • Pitch Duration: Each pitch should be between 5-7 minutes, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with the judges.
  • Pitch Content Should Include:
    • The problem your business addresses
    • Your solution and business model
    • Market opportunity and impact on the community
    • How you will use the prize funds
  • Visual Aids: Applicants are encouraged to use PowerPoint slides, demos, or other visual aids to enhance their pitch.

Prizes

  • First Place - $10,000
  • Second Place - $6,000
  • Third Place - $4,000

Potential Additional Benefits:

  • Pitch/Startup Training
  • Idea/Product Feedback
  • Professional Connections
  • Mentoring
Winners will be announced at the event.

  • Innovation: Is the business idea creative or innovative? Does it address a significant need in the market?
  • Feasibility & Scalability: Can the business model be realistically implemented, and is there potential for growth?
  • Community Impact: How will the business positively impact Lumpkin County? Does it contribute to job creation, sustainability, or local needs?
  • Use of Funds: Is there a clear plan for how the prize money will be used to grow or launch the business?
  • Presentation: Is the pitch clear, engaging, and well-structured? Does the entrepreneur effectively communicate the potential of the business?

Christopher Greene, J.D.
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Evan Cantrell
Student Assistant, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation