Pitch. Demo. Get Seen.
GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase highlights local entrepreneurs building innovative businesses, products, and services in Western North Carolina.
A live stage for WNC entrepreneurs.
The GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase highlights local entrepreneurs who are building innovative businesses, products, and services in Western North Carolina.
Five entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in a live Pitch + Demo Showcase during GrindFest. Finalists will present their business, demonstrate their product or service, receive feedback from judges, and compete for prizes and recognition.
One entrepreneur will be selected as the GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase Winner and will receive a $500 cash prize.
Applicants must:
- Be located in Western North Carolina.
- Own or operate a business, side hustle, nonprofit enterprise, or entrepreneurial venture.
- Have a product, service, prototype, or business concept to present.
- Be available to participate in the live GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase if selected.
From application to live showcase.
Open Application Period
Entrepreneurs submit the online application.
Selection of Five Finalists
Five entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in the live showcase.
Live Pitch + Demo Showcase at GrindFest
Finalists will give a 5-minute pitch and demonstration, receive feedback from judges, and engage the audience.
Winner Announcement
One entrepreneur will receive a $500 cash prize and be recognized as the GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase Winner.
Applications will be scored based on:
- Business Concept
- Innovation & Creativity
- Demonstration Potential
- Community Impact
- Growth Potential
- Overall Application Quality
The five highest-scoring applicants will advance to the live GrindFest Pitch + Demo Showcase. Judges will provide feedback during the event, and one winner will be selected to receive the $500 cash prize.
A panel of WNC leaders.
Fredderick Graves
Truist Bank
Katherine Morasani
Rotary Club
Jeff Kaplan
Optimist Ventures
Mr. Cathay Dawkins
Black Wall Street USA
Thom Ruhe
NC IDEA Foundation
What you'll be asked for.
- Contact Information
- Business Overview
- Pitch & Demo Information
- Community Impact & Growth
- Supporting Materials
- A required 1–3 minute demo video
A cell phone video is acceptable. Applicants should show themselves introducing their business, their product/service/prototype, and a sample of the demonstration they would present at GrindFest.
Apply for the Pitch + Demo Showcase
Complete the official application through our secure application form. Applicants will be asked to submit business details, community impact responses, supporting materials, and a required 1–3 minute demo video.
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