Enterprise, Ala. (WDNews) – Local businesses in downtown Enterprise are gearing up for the Bright Ideas Pitch Competition, where they’ll have a chance to win up to $35,000. The competition will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 5 p.m. in the First Methodist Church Enterprise Fellowship Hall, located at 217 S. Main Street.
The competition, free and open to the public, is focused on businesses located within the designated Main Street Enterprise district. Those meeting the eligibility criteria can compete for one of five $1,000 grants. These funds can be used for expenses such as inventory, equipment, marketing, computers, and software upgrades. Additionally, one standout business will earn a $10,000 grant courtesy of the Main Street Alabama ALSPARK Program.
Judges for the event include Paige Green Hutto, President and CEO of Alabama Chambers; Julian Bolivar, Alabama Small Business Development Center Director; Cassidy Gibbs, USDA Public Affairs Official; Richard Reinhardt, General Sales Manager for WDHN; and Monica Walker, WTVY Account Executive.
The winner of the Main Street Enterprise pitch will advance to a regional competition, where another $10,000 is up for grabs. Regional winners and two wildcard competitors will then move on to the Bright Ideas state finals, held during Main Street Alabama’s annual state conference in August. The state winner will walk away with a $25,000 prize.
The Bright Ideas initiative is powered by ALSPARK, a Main Street Alabama program supported by funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The program is designed to energize and grow businesses in designated Main Street Alabama communities.
