The Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC) is becoming more active in helping fill their industrial park and available store fronts in town. This fall entrepreneurs will have a chance to fulfill their dream of starting a business. Morrison’s economic development organization will be working with the Small Business Development Center at Black Hawk College in Moline to hold a Fast Pitch contest. Fast Pitch is similar to the popular television show Shark Tank.
Entrepreneurs will attend an informational night, then submit a business plan followed by a practice session and the contest will be held November 10 where two winners will be selected. New business startups and businesses less than 18 months old are eligible to apply. One winner will be selected for each category and will receive cash and in-kind prizes.
A caveat of the competition…the business starts in Morrison. “The Board of Directors is very excited about the influence this competition can have on our local business climate, said Jerry Lindsey President of the MADC Board.” He further stated, “Fast Pitch is coming to Morrison at the right time and we are excited about the success the program has had in other parts of the state.”
The first step of the contest is to participate in a special informational meeting on September 17 at Odell Public Library. All individuals will receive a flash drive containing contest rules, materials to start working on and informational items relating to the contest and operating a business in Illinois. Pre-registration is preferred, but individuals can register at the door. To register for the September 17th meeting please contact Kim at the MADC at 815-600-6267 or Mary at the Small Business Development Center in Moline at 309-796-5714.
The time frame for the contest is the meeting on September 17, followed by submission of all proposals on October 15, a practice “Fast Pitch” contest on October 22 and the final competition on November 10th. Staff from the Small Business Development Center in Moline will be available to assist individuals with their proposals, practice sessions and any questions related to developing a business in Illinois.
For more information on the contest, to sign up to participate, to donate toward the prize package or MADC Development efforts please call 815-600-6267.