This ‘micropitch’ competition in Williamsburg may be just what you need to fuel your business. Here’s how you can get in on the action

A series of three micropitch competition is set to begin so if you have an “early stage” business, you might want to mark the dates: July 14, Sept. 22 and Oct. 13.

It’s all part of Start Peninsula – the 9^th annual. It builds entrepreneurship on the Peninsula and “celebrates our local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” according to a news release from James City County.

The event helps develop early stage businesses – those with a product or service that is still being brought to fruition and connects those entrepreneurs with opportunities to validate their business ideas and earn capital.

There will be four winners and one alternate winner selected at each micropitch event

Each of the micropitch winners will be invited to participate in the Start Peninsula main event on Nov. 4 at the Williamsburg Regional Library, 515 Scotland St.

The first micropitch will be done virtually. A maximum of 15 pitches will occur at each event. If a business is invited to participate in a micropitch event, they must pay a fee of $50 before the event.

And here’s the payout: The top three winners of the 12 pitchers in November will receive $5,000 and free access to local resources, according to the news release.

The top three winners from each micropitch event will receive $500 at the conclusion of the series of events in November.

Organizers said dozens of entrepreneurs connect with business leaders and mentors during Start Peninsula. The event is backed by six regional Economic Development authorities.

“James City County has been home to entrepreneurship since 1607. We are excited about the new format for Start Peninsula because it allows more early stage businesses to participate in micropitch events. We look forward to hearing the 12 qualified early stage business pitches in November,” said Christopher Johnson, director of Economic Development for James City County.

Start Peninsula was hosted last year by the city of Hampton at Hampton University. The winners included Atlas Quick-Clip, French Slide and Vestalyze. Since 2012, there have been nearly 250 business ideas pitched at this event.

Start Peninsula 2020 is hosted by James City County, in partnership with York County and the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg and Poquoson.

For more information about Start Peninsula please visit its website, Facebook page or the FAQ page.

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