22 May 2024

Innovators, it’s time to pitch | 53 Ideas kickstarter competition underway

Calling all entrepreneurs and small business owners! Do you have a startup idea or a new product or service innovation to make your business better? Win $10,000 to kickstart your idea with South Piedmont Community College’s Small Business Center and Fifth Third Bank.

Thanks to continued support from Fifth Third Bank, the 53 Ideas pitch competition is back to hear pitches for the fifth consecutive year in the Charlotte Region. This is a chance for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners in the community to win $10,000 to seed their startup or fund a new product or service innovation in their business. 

Innovators should create and submit a 53-second video throughout the month of May, sharing your great idea. In the video, explain who you are, the problem the product or service solves, the target customers, and how you plan to make your idea reality with assistance and funding.

Judges will select the top 53 ideas to move forward in the competition and those contestants will create a 3 minute pitch with the help of program resources. All 53 will pitch virtually before judges in early July to try to secure a spot in the top 10. 

The 10 finalists will receive $250 and will pitch in person with the chance to compete for $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500. The competition also offers training programs to help participants refine and develop ideas. 

Entry is limited to residents in the following counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. To learn more about the 53 Ideas pitch competition or submit your idea, visit www.53ideas.com.

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