Entries open for pitch night

Paul Charteris (left) and Clive Thomson. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Applications are open to pitch at the Rotorua X EMA BoP Pitch night on October 19, with a "stellar" line-up of judges confirmed.

Rotorua X trustee and event sponsor Clive Thomson from Employers and Manufacturers Association Bay of Plenty said this was the third year of the EMA Pitch Night and plans were to make it more epic than ever before.

"The momentum of this event continues to grow. Feedback from the last two years has been phenomenal and we are excited to hold the event again with another stellar line-up of judges including our 2014 Pitch Night winner Paul Charteris.

"In previous years we have focused on Rotorua start-ups. This year we are actively promoting it to all Bay of Plenty organisations and it can be anyone from an idea, a start-up or an established business," he said.

The business pitch is an essential skill of any organisation that wants to grow. Not only is it used to promote the business to investors to attract funds for growth, but it also provides clarity of vision which is critical for leaders to inspire teams as well as customers.

"Our Pitch Night gives the region's business community a platform to practice their pitch and receive constructive feedback without the high-pressure situation.

"While this event is designed purely to enable organisations to practise their pitch and not solicit investment, last year we had investors travel from Auckland to see if any local businesses piqued their interest," Mr Thomson said.

The Pitch Night is for anyone that has an idea for a start-up business or non-profit enterprise that wants feedback through to an established company with a fresh idea to achieve serious growth.

Organisations must apply and only 10 will be accepted to pitch on the night. Anyone pitching must attend a Pitch Clinic to ensure a high calibre at the event.

"The first 10 organisations that are approved and pay the entry fee will fill the spots. Early bird registration closes on 31 August," Mr Thomson said.

Successful applicants will have five minutes to impress the panel of business experts, as well as the audience.

"This will be an energetic and entertaining evening showcasing the entrepreneurs in our region. Audience attendance is free and we encourage the business community to come along and help pick the crowd favourite. Audience spaces are limited so we urge people to RSVP early to avoid disappointment," Mr Thomson said.

More than $10,000 of prizes have already been confirmed including customised web design, business training, coaching, legal and HR advice.

The judges include Mr Charteris, the 2014 winner and founder of Tarawera Ultra-Marathon, Soda Inc chief executive Dr Claire McGowan, Reuben Woods founder of award winning Woods Design Agency, Angel Investor Alan Dick, and head judge mayor Steve Chadwick.

The Pitch night starts at 5.30pm at Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytech.

To apply to pitch or RSVP to be in the audience go to www.rotoruax.nz or email connect@rotoruaX.nz.