Budding business brains on the Isle of Man are being urged to pitch their ideas to investors and entrepreneurs.
The Department of Enterprise is hosting Pitch It! at this year’s ISLEEXPO conference – giving people access to a panel of experts.
This year they’re opening the competition up to the public as well.
Minister Laurence Skelly says: "This year the competition is open to anyone with a big idea and the drive to make it succeed.
"ThePitch It! event is a real testament to our drive to invest in and support businesses at all stages of growth and work and a key element of the ISLEXPO conference."
To enter the competition entrepreneurs must submit a one-minute video which will then be shortlisted with four successful candidates featuring at ISLEEXPO 2018.
The four chosen candidates will have the opportunity to network with the local business community at the Founders' Feast.
They’ll be given pitch coaching from communication expert Sian Jones and event partner, Bridge - a Manx Angel Investor Network aiming to encourage investment into start-ups and high growth businesses in the Isle of Man.
Simon Nicholas is Chairman of Bridge:
"This year's theme ‘locate’ is the ideal fit for the event, ISLEXPO 2018 is an opportunity to showcase all that is great about living, working and locating a business (and family) on the Isle of Man.
"There are a number of incentives, from tax incentives to grants to funding, currently available to both individuals and businesses looking to re-locate to the island, Bridge have worked to create an entrepreneur friendly environment and are pleased to be working with a number of companies assisting them with networking, mentoring and raising capital required to start or grow their businesses on the Isle of Man."
Pitch It! will take place early evening on the 16th May in the Garden Hub Tipis.
Candidates will appear in front of a panel of investors and entrepreneurs before a live poll decides the winner.
The winner will receive business mentorship from Bridge experts and a ?500 cash prize.
