Competition Open for Pitch It! 2018

ISLEXPO 2018, hosted by the Department for Enterprise, will see the return of Pitch It! a popular feature of the conference giving entrepreneurs access to a panel of expert investors.

2018 will see Pitch It! opened up to a wider audience as start-ups are publically invited to compete for the opportunity to present at the event.

Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘Pitch It! is a very popular and exciting element of ISLEXPO, giving delegates the chance to see big ideas pitched to a real panel of investors and entrepreneurs. This year the competition is open to anyone with a big idea and the drive to make it succeed. The Pitch It! event is a real testament to our drive to invest in and support businesses at all stages of growth and work and a key element of the ISLEXPO conference.’

To enter the competition, entrepreneurs must submit a one-minute video which will then be shortlisted to four who will feature at ISLEXPO 2018.

The four chosen candidates will have the opportunity to network with the local business community at the Founders’ Feast and will be given pitch coaching from communication expert Sian Jones and event partner, Bridge, a Manx Angel Investor Network aiming to encourage investment into start-ups and high growth businesses in the Isle of Man.

Simon Nicholas, Chairman, Bridge commented:

‘Bridge is delighted to be involved with ISLEXPO 2018 for the third year running. This year’s theme ‘locate’ is the ideal fit for the event, ISLEXPO 2018 is an opportunity to showcase all that is great about living, working and locating a business (and family) on the Isle of Man.

‘There are a number of incentives, from tax incentives to grants to funding, currently available to both individuals and businesses looking to re-locate to the island, Bridge have worked to create an entrepreneur friendly environment and are pleased to be working with a number of companies assisting them with networking, mentoring and raising capital required to start or grow their businesses on the Isle of Man. We are looking forward to meeting both new and existing businesses at this year’s event!’

Pitch It! will take place early evening on the 16th May in the Garden Hub Tipis. Candidates will appear in front of a panel of investors and entrepreneurs before a live poll decides the winner. The winner will receive business mentorship from Bridge experts and a £500 cash prize.

Bridge will also be hosting a pitching skills master class on the morning of the conference. The session will be open to all delegates and is set to offer a group of entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn about what to expect from an investor pitch and how to work on their presentation with a pitching expert.

Please send video submissions to Kate Nicholson at Bridge, katienicholson@bridge.co.im. The deadline for submissions is the 9 April 2018.

For more information or to register for ISLEXPO 2018, please visit www.islexpo.com.