How to get your pitch across

Paul Charteris, of Tarawera Ultramarathon, won the inaugural event.

Rotorua's X's Start-up Pitch Night is back next month with a strong line-up of judges and plans to be a regular annual fixture.

"The business pitch is an essential skill of any start-up or organisation that wants to grow," said Rotorua X Charitable Trust chairman Darren McGarvie. "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 inspiring your team as a leader as well as your customers."

Mr McGarvie said after the success of the first Pitch Night last year and thanks to financial support from headline sponsor Employers and Manufacturers Association BoP, the event would be held annually.

Darren McGarvie says clarity of vision is essential. Photo / File

"Last year, our inaugural Start-up Pitch Night had 11 organisations pitch their idea in front of a packed audience. The feedback of the event was phenomenal and we are excited to hold the event again with a stellar line-up of judges."

Rotorua X has helped incubate and launch 34 new businesses and social enterprises in Rotorua and Kawerau.

However, Mr McGarvie emphasised the forum was not a fund-raising or investment event, but an opportunity to give the business community a platform to practise their pitch and receive feedback.

"It's purely to practise an organisation's pitch. Organisations pitching will have six minutes to impress the panel of business experts, as well as the audience.

"Attendance is free and we encourage the business community to come along and help pick the crowd favourite."

Pitch Night was open to anyone with an idea for a start-up business, non-profit enterprise that wants feedback, or established company with a fresh idea to achieve growth.

The judges include Soda Inc chief executive Claire McGowan, beany.biz chief executive Sue de Bievre, Snowball Effect head of company pipeline Shaun Edlin, Bay of Plenty Enterprise Angels executive director Bill Murphy and head judge Mayor Steve Chadwick.

Prizes will include products or services to help the organisation achieve its goals, such as business coaching.

"This will be a lively and entertaining evening, showcasing the entrepreneurs in our town," said Mr McGarvie.

Mr Murphy said it was important for Enterprise Angels - the biggest start-up funding membership group - to support innovation and budding entrepreneurs in the region. "That's where local investment opportunities are likely to arise.

"And it's also important for the future of the regional economy and job growth.

"Statistics coming out of the US show all new net job growth is now coming out of innovative young companies rather than established corporates."

Rotorua X Start-up Pitch Night

When: 6pm, Wednesday, October 7

Where: Waiariki Institute of Technology

Slots available: 15

Entry fee: $49