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Pitchers and Pitches
May 6, 2021 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
What is Pitchers and Pitches?
Pitchers and Pitches is the region’s largest open pitch competition event where aspiring Entrepreneurs and early-stage Startups pitch their ideas in 5 minutes or less to a panel of judges for the chance to win cash prizes! It’s like Shark Tank but local.
This is a fun, family friendly event that is open to the public. Come watch the show, participate in the voting, and get an inside look at the future of innovation that’s already happening right in your own back yard!
If all of this sounds familiar, it should! We previously ran this even under the name Pitches and Pints for the last 4 years in a row. Now, we’re evolving this event to be COVID friendly and to create an entirely new experience you will love!
When Is It Amazing Event?
May 6th at 6pm! At the TVA Credit Union Ballpark.
The gates will open at 5:00pm and the event will start sharply at 6:00pm SHARP! We’re streamlining the food and beverages this year for convenience and for COVID safety so you should have plenty of time to get in, get settled, and be ready for the show!
Why a Pitch Competition?
Despite the difficulties we have all faced we are seeing unprecedented innovation and growth arising from the chaos. The country has seen new business registrations soar and where there is chaos, lies opportunity! And our region’s Entrepreneurial spirit has never been stronger as our local communities rally behind our aspiring Startups.
New Startups in medical, consumer products, software as a service, and outdoor recreation seem to be popping up every day. FoundersForge and other organizations are forming new relationships to provide the help Startups need to succeed in our region.
But most of all… it’s time to CELEBRATE our region’s future!
So We’re Celebrating in Style!
FoundersForge is teaming up with the Johnson City Doughboys baseball team at that TVA Credit Union Ballpark (previously Cardinal Park) to bring you Pitchers and Pitches.
Attending this Event Means You Will:
- Enjoy free ballpark food and drinks!
- Hear our region’s innovators pitch their ideas for feedback & prizes
- Be Inspired by a local keynote speaker that will share their journey in successful Entrepreneurship in the Appalachian Highlands
- Have a voice in the voting of the pitchers
- Learn more about the upcoming Doughboys baseball season
- And a few surprises that will make this a fun event for the entire family!
Have an Idea You Want to Pitch?
We would love to have you pitch your ideas! This is a concept / idea and early-stage Startup pitch competition so even if it’s just something you’ve been thinking about for awhile, we’d love to have you apply! However, there are some ground rules and requirements.
Pitching Qualifications / Requirements:
- You must be in the concept, or early stage of your Startup
- Revenues must be under $2,000/mo (MRR) for established Startups
- You Need a Tech component (Very few ideas don’t have one but if you are unsure, apply and we can discuss!)
- Ability to attend our Pre-Pitch Workshops (we hold up to 4-6 in the evenings and you must attend half to pitch)
- Willingness to sign our media release form
- Unsure about any of this? Apply and we can discuss!
A strong desire to support the local Startup community in the Appalachian Highlands on May 6th!
Call for Sponsors:
This even provides a unique experience to showcase your brand while supporting local Entrepreneurs in the region. Every dollar goes towards programs for aspiring innovators, mentorship programs, 1-on-1 coaching, and you get to see the impact of your support as the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Thrives!
If you’d like to learn more about supporting this program or others, please contact:
FoundersForge | [email protected] | or call: 423.220.4501
COVID-19 Statement and Plan:
The organizers behind Pitchers and Pitches are taking every step possible to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while hosting this event. The event is outside in a large venue to allow the attendees to find a space they are comfortable with. Food and Beverages will be pre-wrapped and in a grab-and-go format to prevent congregation around common areas. The bathrooms will be following all CDC guidelines and we are asking anyone that is not vaccinated to please consider wearing a mask in common areas. We will continue to monitor the situation and will adjust the plans as necessary.
Rain Delay Plan:
Yes, we know we’re planning an event in late Spring in the Appalachian Highlands. We’ve queued up several days in case their is rain or bad weather in the forecast. We are also have plans to dry out the seating area if we have rain earlier in the day. We’ll continue to communicate with the attendees as we get closer to the event!
FoundersForge is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization on a mission to cultivate new Entrepreneurs and build the Startup ecosystem in the Appalachian Highlands. We believe in underdog Entrepreneurs and helping them on their Startup journey. Follow us on social media @myFoundersForge to get connected or learn more at myfoundersforge.com!