Greater Topeka Partnership, GO Topeka announce business pitch competition

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Greater Topeka Partnership and GO Topeka are announcing the 2023 Equity and Opportunity Pitch Competition, providing a chance for Shawnee County’s aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to present their innovative ideas to some of the area’s business decision-makers.

Greater Topeka Partnership officials said the competition will award four prizes to winners with a total of $38,000 in prize money available to jump-start their ventures.

Greater Topeka Partnership officials indicated the event will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Greater Topeka Partnership located at 719 S. Kansas Ave in Topeka, Kan. Each participant will have seven minutes to pitch their business idea that evening. Growing and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to participate in the event should submit their entry for the competition HERE by Nov. 3. The entry form includes information such as basic contact information and details about their business concept. Pitch coaching will be provided to applicants ahead of the competition.

Greater Topeka Partnership officials said in 2022, the Partnership’s Minority and Women Business Development Pitch Competition brought together local business leaders and optimistic newcomers for an event that helped push business forward for all of Shawnee County. The cash prizes provided to four winners helped with startup capital and funds to expand current operations.