NEWS

Innovators, entrepreneurs to vie for prizes at 'Won in One' competition

Oct 22, 2015 | Research and Development

Entrepreneurs and innovators from across north Louisiana will pitch ideas in an attempt to win cash prizes at the “Won in One” idea pitch competition at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 in University Hall on the campus of Louisiana Tech University.
2012 Alumni Christmas Party, Tuesday, 12/18/2012, President's Home, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, (photo by Donny Crowe), Copyright:Louisiana Tech University.All Rights Reserved.(dcrowe@latech.edu) 318-257-4854Like contestants on the popular television show “Shark Tank,” the presenters pitch their ideas with the goal of impressing the audience and a panel of business experts who will judge and select the most appealing opportunity. The audience will also weigh in by voting for their favorites.
Competitors have only one minute to share their idea in a way that is exciting, informative and financially appealing. After all have presented, scores are tallied and prizes are announced.
In addition to competing for prizes, contestants gain feedback on their venture, identity potential collaborators, attract prospective investors, meet other trendsetters and connect to resources supporting the development and growth of their ventures.
Won in One competitors wanting to improve their pitch before the competition can attend a free session on successfully communicating with investors, customers, employees and vendors at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 in University Hall.
Shane Puckett, instructor and director of debate at Louisiana Tech, will provide an overview on conveying messages persuasively to generate the support needed for growing new or existing companies. Puckett has coached national debate champions and TEDx presenters as well as taught numerous speech classes. He also advises entrepreneurs and student teams on how to understand their audience and address their needs in order to communicate and inspire action.
Won in One provides the entrants an opportunity to present their concepts in a way that is exiting, informative, and financially appealing. The competition is a component of the I-20 Corridor Regional Accelerator and, despite the competitive elements of vying for prizes, contestants and spectators engaged in energetic conversations about their ideas, the commercial potential and the resources available to support their success.
Registration for a limited number of competitor spaces is available at https://woninoneideapitchcompetition2015.eventbrite.com. Spectators who also register in advance will be eligible for door prizes.
For more information, email tbdc@latech.edu or call (318) 257-3537.
Written by Judith Roberts – jroberts@latech.edu