CONTEST SUMMARY:
Enter the inaugural MVVF Fundraising Pitch Contest for your chance to work on your new – or not so new - company’s sales pitch, receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs/investors and the chance to win a cash prize!


ELIGIBILITY:
The Forum seeks entrepreneurs with

• A business concept – an idea, concept or product/service
• A colleague or two or more who believe this is a good potential business idea
• It involves the use of technology
• The interest of one or more potential customers is encouraged, not required
• A key criterion is no contestant has a first round/A Round of financing or more. Contestants may have received a personal investment, family and friends, grants, loans and some revenues – but NO institutional investment

The Contest is open to technology enhanced prestart, start-up or emerging enterprises located in the New England States. Students are welcome. The venture must involve the development of a new product or service, a new application or a process in a business.

DEADLINE, APPLICATION AND FEE:
Applications from contestants are submitted on line at the MVVF web site and must conform to the Form provided. The nonrefundable fee is $100. Applications will be received during the months of January, February, March – and up to the deadline, Monday April 5, 2010.

QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS PRESENTATIONS
Applications received on line will be reviewed and determined to be Qualified. Applicants will be notified of the acceptance of the Qualified Application Form. During the months of March and April, qualified applicants will be invited to present to a live panel of experienced entrepreneurs and/or investors who will endeavor to offer each applicant direct feedback and guidance on how to win funding in this particular economic environment. Applications will address the following: a) Describe the Business (How will the business generate revenues., profits); b) What is your Market (assess size, ability of company to capture market share; c) What is Your Competitive Advantage (How will you compete successfully, value prop, IP); d) How do you plan to fund the business; e) What is your leadership team.

FINALIST SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED:
A committee of MVVF Directors and Program Committee members will review the evaluations of each presentation and select up to ten finalists for the Grand Winner Prizes. Finalists will receive recognition and will be announced publicly around the region in advance of the MVVF Forum Event on May 19, 2010.

JUDGING:
A Distinguished Panel of Judges will award a cash prize to the Grand Winner selected that evening. All qualified contestants are invited. Finalists will make their Presentations to the entire audience. Judges will make observations and offer suggestions to each entrepreneur.

THE PRIZES:
A CASH Prize will be awarded to the GRAND WINNER selected by the Distinguished Judge Panel. A second CASH Prize will be awarded to the Audience Favorite, as voted by the audience present.


Submit your entry at this link