2019 FastPitch Competition

We’re “Shark Tank” without the bite!

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 – Please save the date!

2018 Presenting Sponsor
First Northern Credit Union

2018 FastPitch Competition Winners & Participants

First place: Rachel Lolling | FitsBrush – toothbrush

Second place: Annie Mohaupt | Mohop – Made-to-order custom shoes and accessories

Third place: AnnDee Nimmer | RoomTagz – custom school signage

Student Award: Joseph Scheidt | Avior Analytics – aims to improve the quality of Physical Therapy through patient engagement

Dale Falconer, “Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award”: Addie Ford | Grant View Distillery

Finalists who made the stage!

Adam Dodd | AtaraxCity

Cheryl Evens | FloSelect

Annie Hermes | Anois Studios

Joe Johnson | Shaker Cup

Matthew Noakes | Fantasy Down

Danny Thurman | The Private Oasis

Hannah Warren | Radiant Beast

Presenters who went the extra mile!

Vernon Jackson | Protector

Scott Kohl | ThirdSpace

Terry McCart | Talktor

Matt McCrillis | One the go welding cart

Argus Mister | Mr. Fit IT

Steve Otten | Storage Crawler

Zachery Peterson | WetDigs

Mary Rivera | James & Edna Mae’s Barbeque Sauce

Lavanya Saripalli | ONCOGENOME Analytics

The name of the game is to provide inspiring
answers to the Six Key Questions! Please complete the Registration Form to be considered for
this Year’s Competition!

Stay tuned for more information. See below, 2017 news release for an overview of last year’s competition, presenters, and winners!

Who: Passionate entrepreneurs in all phases of business, including startup, pre-startup or idea stage. High school seniors and college-age students welcome

When: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 | 3:30 p.m. Initial Presentations | 6 p.m. Final Presentations | Open to the Public, 5 PM

Presentation Training-STRONGLY suggested | Tuesday, September 25 and Thursday, September 27, 2018 | 5:30 – 8 PM

Deadline for FastPitch participants to submit their business pitches in writing for pre-qualification is Thursday, September 20; accepted participants will be notified no later than Monday, September 24.

Where: NIU-Rockford, 8500 East State Street, Rockford, IL

Why: To win cash prizes, feedback, and exposure! With a top prize of $5,000 at stake, it will be well worth three minutes of your time! In addition to our traditional first, second, third place prizes, and the student prize, there will also be the Dale Falconer “Spirit of Entrepreneurship” and CleanTech prize.

CleanTech is defined as Companies that seek to increase performance, productivity, and efficiency by minimizing negative effects on the environment.

2018 FastPitch Competition flyer

FastPitch Competition Sponsors

The FastPitch Competition is an annual event that draws participants from throughout the region. Starting in 2006, this competition has attracted entrepreneurs in all phases of business from pre-startup, just an idea on a napkin to companies that have been in business or plan to expand with a new service or product. The idea is to answer six key questions (see below) in three minutes or less—your elevator speech—to a select group of judges who are entrepreneurs themselves or that work with entrepreneurs on a regular basis. In business, “three strikes” is generous. If you can’t pitch your product, service or concept in three minutes—you’re outta there!

The FastPitch Competition is your chance to prove the potential of your business idea…meet people who can help you succeed…maybe even win a cash prize! This is no field of dreams: traditionally the top prize that’s awarded is $5,000. All competitors will receive constructive feedback, a fun experience and valuable exposure to investors, business leaders, potential mentors, and media.

Submit your pitch in writing (1,000 words or less) for pre-qualification to Sherry Pritz; verbal presentations only—no PowerPoints. Questions? Call 815.753.2192.

We’re “Shark Tank” without the bite!