Lehigh University and Factory LLC, a business innovation center for food, beverage, and pet companies, recently opened the submission period for the 5th Annual Startup Lehigh Valley pitch competition.
“The StartUp Lehigh Valley pitch competition is designed to help grow and showcase the entrepreneurship that’s already happening in the valley and getting the community excited about supporting these local startups,” Richard Thompson, Factory LLC founder, said.
The “Shark Tank-style event” will be held Oct. 25 at Factory LLC in Bethlehem. WFMZ will televise and livestream the event that is designed to highlight startup companies in the Lehigh Valley and throughout Pennsylvania.
Ten finalists will pitch their products and businesses to a panel of judges. Two runners-up will receive $3,000 and $2,000, and a grand prize of $20,000 will be awarded.
In addition, there will be three $500 Penn State Lehigh Valley LaunchBox Boost Awards, a $1,000 Audience Choice Award, and a $5,000 Ben Franklin Award from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The LaunchBox will provide participants legal advice, marketing resources, mentors, and grant-funding opportunities.
The registration deadline is Sept. 22.
Other sponsors include Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp., Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Lehigh Valley Health Network.