The Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC) is becoming more active in helping fill their industrial park and available store fronts in town. This fall entrepreneurs will have a chance to fulfill their dream of starting a business. Morrison’s economic development organization will be working with the Small Business Development Center at Black Hawk College in Moline, IL, to hold a FastPitch contest. FastPitch is similar to the popular television show Shark Tank.
This concept allows for entrepreneurs to make a three-minute pitch of their innovative venture and to be assessed as to the viability of the ventures by local community leaders, academics, and investors. Coaching and feedback are provided before, during, and after to better prepare you, your idea, and your presentation of that idea.
Entrepreneurs will attend an informational night, then submit a business plan, followed by a practice session. The contest will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2015, and two winners will be selected. New business startups and businesses less than 18 months old are eligible to apply. One winner will be selected for each category and will receive cash and in-kind prizes.
A caveat of the competition is that the business starts in Morrison, IL. “The Board of Directors is very excited about the influence this competition can have on our local business climate,” said Jerry Lindsey, President of the MADC Board. He further stated, “FastPitch is coming to Morrison at the right time, and we are excited about the success the program has had in other parts of the State.”
The first step of the contest is to participate in a special informational meeting on Thursday, September 17, at Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison. Individuals will receive a flash drive containing contest rules, materials to start working on, and informational items relating to the contest and operating a business in Illinois.
Pre-registration is preferred, but individuals can register at the door. To register for the September 17 meeting, please contact Kim Ewolsen at MADC at 815-600-6267 or Mary at the Small Business Development Center in Moline at 309-796-5714.
Staff from the Small Business Development Center in Moline will be available to assist individuals with their proposals, practice sessions, and any questions related to developing a business in Illinois. Specific times will be published in the future. The time frame for the contest is
- Thursday, September 17, informational meeting
- Thursday, October 15, submission of all proposals
- Thursday, October 22, FastPitch practice session
- Tuesday, November 10, final competition.
For more information on the contest, to sign up to participate, to donate toward the prize package or MADC Development efforts please call 815-600-6267.