EngenuitySC

Ignite! 2011 Contest

How Does it Work?

The Ignite 2011 Contest is a shark tank competition on caffeine and happy pills. We’re inviting anyone with an idea on how to start something in Columbia to submit to present at EngenuitySC’s Ignite 2011 Annual Conference. We’ve convened a panel of rock stars and game changers to evaluate the ideas and select the most compelling concepts. If selected, you’ll be invited to give a five minute pitch in front of 500 screaming fans at our annual event on November 16th, 2011.

We’ll crowd source some capital for your idea (buy a ticket and you’re an investor for the evening) and you’ll face a shark tank of 500 strong that will pick the winner in real time. If you win, you’ll be showered with praise and a cash prize of up to $5000 to help take your idea to the next level.

How do I get in?

So freaking easy it should be criminal. If you have an idea that will start up Columbia, just do the following by October 28:

• Submit a 250 word summary of your idea
• Tell us how your idea will start something
• Record a 2 minute video explaining your idea
• If selected as a finalist, you’ll present to a panel of judges
• If you make the cut, you’ll be invited to present live...bring your entourage...wild cheering encouraged.

What’s in it for me?

By submitting, you’ll get your idea out there for people to connect into. By becoming a finalist, you are guaranteed to get your idea in front of 500 of the most influential and passionate people in our community. Who knows who you might fire up to get involved? If you win, you may just be crowned the smartest person in Columbia! But aside from that, you’ll receive cold hard cash from $1000 - $5000 to kickstart your new venture.

Who's judging this?

Some of Columbia's top grassroots leaders and entrepreneurs will see your idea and decide who the finalists will be. Panelists include:

• Dan Cook, Editor at The Free Times
• Andy Smith, Executive Director of the Nickelodeon Theatre
• Barbara Blau, President of DP Professionals
• Heather Mitchell, Principal at the Boudreaux Group
• Katherine Swartz, Executive Director of Columbia Opportunity Resource
• Katie Fox of TedX Columbia and Director of Theater Operations at Midlands Technical College
• John Denise of Advanced Automation Consulting (AAC)

To enter the Ignite Contest, please complete the form below. Then get everyone you know a ticket to show up and vote for you!

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