Startup Showcase & Quick Pitch at Innovate Newport

Friday, October 22, 2021   |   1:30-3:30 p.m.

Startup Showcase
This is a traditional exhibition with up to 20 exhibitors. Startup companies can set up their promotional materials at a table. They will have the opportunity to share their story in a conversational networking setting as attendees wander around the exhibit. This exhibit is open to any startup company that is seeking out a repeatable, scalable business model, despite its age.
All exhibitors will receive a token for a FREE cup of coffee or drink at The Simple Merchant Coffee Shop as well as one free day of coworking at Innovate Newport, to be used at any time following the day of the event.

Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Once we receive your application, we will notify you if you are in and send more information about time of arrival, table location, etc.

Click HERE for the Eventbrite Registration for ATTENDEES.
Click HERE for startups who wish to be an exhibitor.

Quick Pitch
The Quick Pitch portion of the event will allow up to 10 startup businesses an opportunity to make a 3 minute presentation to the audience, in order to compete for up to $1000 and business startup packages, sponsored by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. Startup businesses who wish to participate in the Quick Pitch portion of the event will also have an exhibit. In order to be considered for the Quick Pitch, the startup business must be Rhode Island based and 5 years or younger. Preference will be given to those startups who have a vested interest in the economy of the Greater Newport Area.

Startup companies who wish to participate in the Quick Pitch must apply to be considered by October 12th. Applications will be reviewed by a panel and finalists will be notified of the opportunity to pitch prior to the event. Each pitch will take place in the Conference Hall at Innovate Newport on the day of the event and a panel of judges will make the awards.
Click HERE for startups who wish to be an exhibitor and participate in the Quick Pitch.

Prizes
Applicants chosen to pitch during the event will be competing for the following award prizes:
• 1st Prize
o $1,000 cash, sponsored by The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
o Featured Business profile story on The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
and Innovate Newport Blogs and social media outlets
o Highlighted in press release to area media organizations
o Complimentary membership to The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce for one
year (value is minimum of $330)
o Designated desk at Innovate Newport for one month
o $100 Shop Greater Newport gift card to be used at area businesses
• 2nd Prize
o Full-time co-worker membership at Innovate Newport for one month
o $100 Shop Greater Newport gift card
o Honorable mention in the press release to area media organizations and social media
outlets
Guidelines for Startup Businesses
• Must be Rhode Island-based and preference will be given to those startups who have a
vested interest in the economy of the Greater Newport Region.
• This is open to any startup company 5 years or younger.
• Must be an established business that is looking to grow.
• Must apply ahead of time and meet all deadlines.
Requirements for The Pitch
• Entrepreneurs should have 5 slides to present
o Introduction: name, name of business, logo
o What the business is
o How it works
o Why it is important
o What would they use the money for if they win? How would this money help
grow their business?

Timetable
• Tues. Oct. 12: Applications DUE
• Frid. Oct. 15: Pitch Contestants Announced
• Between Oct. 15 and Oct. 21: Presentations submitted to Mollie@newportchamber.com
for review
• Friday, Oct. 22: Quick Pitch Competition (2-4 p.m.)
Schedule of Event (subject to change based on # of participants)
• 1:30-3:30 p.m.- Startup Showcase & Quick Pitch
o 1:30-2:15 p.m. Exhibitor Showcase
o 2:15-3 p.m. QUICK PITCH
o 3:00-3:20 p.m. Networking/Mingling (Exhibitors and Attendees)
o 3:25 p.m. Announcement of Winners