On May 10, some of the best new business minds in Moree will take to the stage to pitch their ideas before an audience, and a panel of experienced professionals. Organised by the University of New England’s Smart Region Incubator (UNE SRI), Pitch2Grow Moree is hoped to ignite new and exciting prospects for the region.
Regional Connector for UNE SRI, Sheree Cayirylys said, “This is going to be such a positive thing for Moree – we’ve got some fantastic local minds for our first event and it’s an amazing platform for them to get the word out about their ideas.”
The event, which has been taglined as “a celebration of innovation on the plains”, is in its first year but Ms Cayirylys said the feedback has been very positive so far.
“We had aimed to get 10 entrepreneurs for our first event and we got 8 pitches, so we’re really pleased with that outcome – it’s a big thing to stand in front of a group and make an official business pitch like this so I think all the contenders are very brave.”
“The entrants all come from a range of backgrounds, and their ideas are all very different and this is the first time any of them have ever had the opportunity to pitch their ideas before so it’s very exciting.”
Each of the entrepreneurs are allowed three minutes to complete their pitch in front of the audience. Establishing the problem their idea solves, the target market, any business progress made to date and their vision for the future.
Up for grabs is one $2000 judge’s choice prize and one $1000 people’s choice prize.
All entrants have been receiving both group and one-on-one coaching from Crystal McGregor.
Ms McGregor is the owner of the Tech Ready Women Academy and a highly respected member of the local business community. She also runs regular workshops for SRI.
“Crystal has just been wonderful for the program. Even though she’s so busy she’s been so flexible and accommodating for our participants and has offered them some brilliant support and feedback,” says Ms Cayirylys.
The event has also gained some very high-profile judges, with the pitches to be assessed by Moree’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Susannah Pearse, Jodi Ritchie and Holly Bartram from TAFE NSW, and local farmer and experienced board member Geoff Dunlop.
“The judges all present a very strong and diverse range of talents and will be able to give exceptional feedback to all our participants,” said Ms Cayirylys.
“It’s not just about winning either, this is a really fun supportive event that also gives people the chance not only to get their business out there with what is essentially free advertising but also is great for building confidence and a skill set that most people in regional areas don’t often get the chance to work on.”
The call-out is still open for audience members to come and be a part of the action, with anyone welcome to attend.
“There’s going to be a free lunch, networking opportunities and lucky door prizes. We’re also opening to door to anyone who might be interested as a potential investor in any of these ideas to attend,” said Ms Cayirylys.
“We really hope this is just the beginning of this initiative. We’ve got plans to build and we know there’s lots of great ideas out there”
“We’re very hopeful that once the community sees how successful this first event is we’ll be able to hold it annually at the very least.”
Pitch2Grow will be held from 12-2 pm on May 10 2024 at the Social Co House Moree. For more information, or to register your attendance as an audience member, visit the UNE SRI website.
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