Camber Outdoors seeks up-and-coming women entrepreneurs for Pitchfest 2017

It’s a little like Shark Tank, but instead of snarky sharks like Mr. Wonderful, the judges are more like dolphins, there to support and mentor and help businesses grow.

Camber Outdoors’ 3rd annual Pitchfest aims to inspire and drive innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among women with a passion for the outdoors.

Women-led small businesses can apply to showcase their work and growth plans to some of the active-outdoor industry’s most influential CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. Finalists are chosen based on the strength of their application, involvement/impact on the outdoor experience, knowledge of their business, and understanding of growth hurdles.

“Entrepreneurs know that the ability to articulate a sound business strategy is imperative to any business’ success,” says Deanne Buck, executive director of Camber. “Pitchfest gives women entrepreneurs the visibility and platform to bring their fresh thinking, innovative ideas, and passion for the outdoors to market.”

“The most valuable thing I got from Pitchfest was a dose of confidence and a sense of validation,” says 2016 Pitchfest finalist Maria Boustead, founder of Pocampo. “Being able to present my business and my vision to a panel (and room) of industry executives and have them applaud me for being on to something and encouraging me to think bigger really gave me a good boost. Now, when I look back over my company’s history, I look at things through the lens of pre-Pitchfest vs. post-Pitchfest.”

The event, which includes live feedback from a panel of industry judges, takes place the day before the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show on July 25, 2017 in Salt Lake City.

To qualify for Pitchfest, applicants should keep in mind the following criteria:

• Company traction: Able to demonstrate market traction (letter of intent, customers, awards, etc.) and revenue (customers have bought your product or investors have invested).
• Ownership/Leadership: Business must be founded or co-founded by a woman and at least 1/3 women-owned and led.
• Industry Focus: Business focus must directly relate to or contribute to the active-outdoor industries.
• Availability:Applicants must be able to appear in person on July 25, 2017 in Salt Lake City, UT to compete

Click here to apply before April 19, 2017.