LAWTON – A business competition known as 580 Pitch hosted by Great Plains Technology Center is available for entrepreneurs to share their ideas and receive input from a panel of experts while possibly winning prize money.
Interested business owners should submit their application and $50 application fee by May 31, 2024. The application fee allows business owners to receive business plan and pitch training.
Semi-finalists will be named on July 2 and will compete for cash prizes on July 25 at Great Plains Technology Center. Interested business owners can find out more about the event and apply to be a part of the competition at https://www. greatplains.edu/business-services/ 580.
Last year’s top four finalists each received prize money and have gone on to have success in the business world, said Carey Monroe of Great Plains Technology Center. The top four from 2023 were Honeycutt Culinary Concepts, Okie Bin Blasters, Anabella’s Scents and The Perfect Brew.
Okie Bin Blasters is a firm that specializes in outdoor garbage can cleaning services with monthly, quarterly and onetime cleanings. Meanwhile, Anabela’s Scents is a company that specializes in unique soy-blended wax products and skincare. They offer a variety of scented candles and other delightful items.
Honeycutt Culinary Concepts is a food service company that specializes on quality food made from scratch, emphasizing local products and ingredients. Some of their services include home meal replacement, personal and private chef services, catering, monthly pop-up dinners and a booth at the Lawton Farmers Market each Saturday.
Meanwhile, The Perfect Brew is a mobile coffee shop that appears from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at the Lawton Farmer’s Market. Owner Katrina Battle will make other appearances at special events.
As part of the 2024 competition process entrepreneurs can connect to business mentors and other members, while gaining access to knowledge and resources. Free business plan coaching and creating a pitch to business experts is included.
To participate, Comanche County business owners must be 21 or older, have a current business registration with the state, have registered their business within the last five years in Oklahoma as an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp or other business entity. The business must currently have a physical product or service available to sell, have a lifetime revenue of $5,000 to $75,000, and operate in compliance with all federal laws. Finalists for the 2023 competition are precluded from competing.