The Launch Pad at the University of Miami is partnering with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for the 2nd Annual Elevator Pitch Contest presented by the Miami Herald. Last year, the Launch Pad awarded four finalists over $85,000 in cash and prizes designed to boost their companies right here in South Florida.
The Launch Pad opened in August 2008 with two goals. The first is to represent entrepreneurship as a viable career option, and the second goal is to encourage and help members of the University community to establish ventures in South Florida, furthering economic and social growth. In less than 2 years, Launch Pad members have created 45 new companies and over 100 new jobs.
An elevator pitch is a brief overview of a company, product, project or service, delivered in the time span of an elevator ride (less than 90 seconds). The 2010 contest series will kick-off with three hands-on workshops starting in late September and will be led by Senior Entrepreneurial Fellow, Melissa Krinzman of Venture Architects. This will be followed by five regional preliminary rounds in South Florida in Mid-October, and the finale will take place in November during the celebration of Global Entrepreneurial Week at the University of Miami. Aaron Perry, Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, who has an extensive background in advertising and marketing will serve as a judge for this region. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the student and community categories. All South Florida entrepreneurs with existing businesses are invited to compete and entry is free.
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Miami Beach Workshop on Friday, October 1st, for the Launch Pad. This contest is open to anyone in South Florida with an existing for-profit. The Chamber is eager to hear from all of the entrepreneurs that would like to participate in this contest.
