Tampa, Fla. – Hillsborough Community College (HCC), in partnership with Hillsborough County, will host the inaugural Pitch for Purpose Competition on April 22.
The competition will be held on Earth Day and will provide nascent entrepreneurs who wish to address societal challenges with a platform that embraces diversity, inclusion and equity through social entrepreneurship. A small amount of funding for early-stage social ventures will also be provided to improve the community and engage our youth in small business ownership.
For the first time in history, the majority of the U.S. population are millennials or younger (Gen Z, Gen Alpha). According to the Brookings Institute, 62% of Gen Z already own or plan to start businesses. Of those interested in starting a business, a majority are focused on social cause-related solutions. These three younger generations are the most highly educated, most diverse, inclusive and cause-focused.
Competitors selected through an application process will be divided into two groups:
– Concept stage businesses: those not yet in business. With prizes: first place $1,500, second place $1,000 and third place $500.
– Startup stage businesses: existing businesses, but not for more than three years. With prizes: first place $6,000, second place $2,000 and third place $1,000.
The applications will be evaluated on their uniqueness, feasibility, financial viability, market desirability and the positive impact on people and society. No more than seven businesses for each group in each category will be chosen to participate in the competition.
The event is free and open to the public. Those wishing to participate in the pitch competition must complete an application and be selected. For more information, please contact Beth Kerly at mkerly@hccfl.edu or Andy Gold at agold3@hccfl.edu. Visit (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrxX2ExDlVh0BIPHhC3FLyOuAbkrUfyAqUFq1S9kQf2jf90A/viewform) to RSVP for the event.
HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Visit hccfl.edu/accreditation for more information.