Business pitch contest offers opportunity to veterans

Veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses who have an idea for a new product or service are invited to pitch their business at Sharks in the Heartland: Veterans Edition.

The free event is set for 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and is presented by Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail, the Kentucky Innovation Network and other community partners.

A panel of judges will hear presentations, ask questions and award first-, second- and third-place prizes. First prize is a new laptop donated by Dell and an opportunity to pitch to the Lincoln Trail Venture Group, a group of local investors who have invested collectively or individually in local startups.

“We know veterans are an integral part of the small business community, which plays a tremendous role in our region’s economy and career opportunities,” said Jerisia Lamons of Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail. “That’s why we’re very excited to present an event that helps veterans take the next steps in starting their business.”

The event begins with a networking reception at the ECTC Veteran Center of Excellence. The competition will follow in the college’s science auditorium.

“Not only will the event provide entrepreneurs a real-world pitch experience, it also will introduce them to the many resources our region has in place to support them and help them achieve their dreams,” said Lisa Boone, director of the Kentucky Innovation Network’s Elizabethtown office, which serves the Lincoln Trail region.

For more information, including the complete rules, and to register for Sharks in the Heartland: Veterans Edition, visit ltcareercenter.org/events/sharks-in-the-heartland-veterans-edition or call 270-307-4214.

Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail and the Kentucky Innovation Center thank each of the partners and sponsors for their support of Sharks in the Heartland: Veterans Edition.