In 2015 SBDC business advisors identified a need among many of their business clients who were not prepared to pitch their business in front of an audience, a banker, or investors. Good businesses were not getting funded in part because of this lack of preparedness.
To address this challenge, we established the quarterly Pitch Clinic to help address this need. Clients present their business “pitch” in front of a panel of SBDC advisors and receive critical feedback. Recently, we have broadened the scope of the Pitch Clinics to include presentations by clients who are looking for feedback on growth strategy ideas.
Each clinic consists of four to six presentations and includes new applicants as well as clients from previous clinics who are given an opportunity to update their original presentation and receive additional feedback.
Clients who have participated in pitch sessions have gone on to pitch and win at pitch competitions around the state and for angel investors. Strategy sessions have led to businesses pivoting to scale, close, adapt products, and reach new markets.
As a startup founder, I learned firsthand how critical messaging is to business success. I am so thankful for the SBDC's teachings and contributions in crafting our pitch to be compelling. Knowing how to properly convey our value has helped us raise funding, sell our product, and create partnerships with industry leaders in our segment." Tim Near, Founder & CEO of Cyborg during 2019 Pitch & Strategy Clinic
