Accelerate Okanagan launches Jump:Start Challenege, a pitch competition to support tech entrepreneurs

Accelerate Okanagan’s Jump:Start Challenge is an “investor-ready” pitch competition launched to support technology companies and entrepreneurs seeking to raise investment to finance their growth.

All entrants to the Jump:Start Challenge will be invited to present their pitches at an open forum, and will then have an opportunity to participate in two Pitch Workshop training sessions, at which they will be taught the “rules of pitching."

The top 10 entrants will receive eight weeks of expert training, coaching and mentorship to improve their “pitches” and increase their chances of raising capital.mFive finalists will then present their business ideas to pre-selected members of the investment community, in Vancouver and the Okanagan. The overall winner will receive $10,000 worth of prizes; while the second and third-placed companies will receive prizes valued at $2,500 each.

Prizes for the top three companies will include free enrolment for one year in Accelerate Okanagan’s Venture Acceleration Program, which helps high potential technology companies accelerate their growth and maximize their opportunity. The winner of the Jump:Start Challenge will also receive one year’s free office space at Accelerate Okanagan’s Kelowna or Penticton innovation centres.

To enter, submit a short description of your business opportunity (one page) by August 31st.