SCORE announces winners of small business pitch competition in Des Moines, Sept. 2024
- SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition took place on September 12, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa.
- Three winners were awarded cash prizes: $20,000 for first place, $10,000 for second, and $5,000 for third.
- The event showcased the innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs and provided them with mentorship opportunities.
On September 12, 2024, SCORE held its 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition at Hotel Fort Des Moines in Iowa, where three small business owners were awarded cash prizes for their innovative pitches. The competition is part of a nationwide series aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and fostering small business growth. Scott, the first-place winner, received $20,000 for his technology that addresses food insecurity through scalable farming solutions. He plans to invest the prize money in patent expenses and new AI development roles to enhance his business's capabilities. Katie Olthoff, the second-place winner, earned $10,000 for her venture, ChopLocal, a marketplace designed to connect livestock producers and consumers. Her platform aims to simplify the online purchasing of meat products and revive local supply chains. The funds will be used to boost marketing efforts and increase visibility for ChopLocal's vendors. Tony, the third-place winner, received $5,000 for his pitch, although specific details about his business were not disclosed in the announcement. The competition not only provided financial support but also invaluable mentorship from SCORE's network of expert business mentors, which helped contestants refine their pitches and assess their financial potential. SCORE's CEO, Bridget Weston, expressed pride in the winners, highlighting their innovation and hard work. The event was supported by Global Atlantic, which emphasized the importance of celebrating the local business community's entrepreneurial spirit. This competition exemplifies SCORE's commitment to empowering small businesses across the nation.