Pitch Kitchen at Local 64

Periodically I get to sit in as a "judge" for a pitch competition at our local co-working hub called Local 64. Lars at Local 64 has been hosting this event for some time now and does a great job! The idea is for entrepreneurs with new ideas to make their "pitch" over 3 minutes to the group of judges, and attendees in the room, and then get feedback on how their pitch can be refined. I've done three of these now and have enjoyed each experience.

The presenters last night covered a myriad of areas, from stem cell research, to educational apps, a crowd funding idea for energy improvement projects, to new root radar technology for trees. Each was in a different stage of development, one had an existing revenue stream already. This is all done in a very relaxed environment, with beer and wine aplenty!

My co-judges and I awarded the best pitch to the stem cell presentation, however all were great and I am hopeful that our feedback was useful to them in refining their pitches. We always encourage presenters to come back to Pitch Kitchen once they have had a chance to incorporate our suggestions, and we've seen that happen a few times now.

I know there are other "pitch" oppurtunities at other hubs throughout the state so keep your eyes open. If you get asked to sit in as a judge, jump on it, you will be surprised by how much value we as bankers can add! This is just another avenue to explore where you can add value to your local economy and have a little fun along the way!

Here are a few links to some recent "pitch" options throughout the state. These have all come and gone but check out the link, read up on what was done at these events, and then follow these events going forward so you are ready for the next one!

http://pitchkitchen.eventbrite.com/

http://peakpitchvermont.eventbrite.com/

http://vtdigger.org/2013/02/07/chamber-announces-new-business-pitch-competition/