The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship (HGC), based in Keene, NH, is accepting applications for their PitchFork Growth event on April 2, 2020. Companies who are ready to grow and need $10K-$100K in order to do so have an opportunity to present their business opportunity to the public and invited guests. HGC’s PitchFork Growth event will bring together companies who are ready to grow and people who want to invest or loan locally. The Hannah Grimes Center is partnering with the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) for this event. REDC brings a lender's expertise to the PitchFork process. They will help analyze all aspects of the business plan and pitch from a financing angle in order to help businesses advance their projects and ideally receive financing or investment as a result at the end of the PitchFork Growth event. Laurel Adams, president of REDC is "thrilled to partner with the Hannah Grimes Center on the next generation of PitchFork. Working together, we will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and aim to bring additional funding opportunities to the greater Keene area."
Lack of capital is one of the top causes for the steep decline in startup rates in rural America. PitchFork offers a uniquely local solution to this challenge by providing a smart event for local investors and lenders to learn about promising local business ventures and for local entrepreneurs to learn more about the pitch process.
Strengthening skills and connections of entrepreneurs and investors will encourage greater investment – large and small – into local economic growth. Local investment offers the Monadnock region greater control to shape the local economy. Individual investing decisions can target the start and growth of businesses that reflect their values and the culture of the region. "Relationships between entrepreneurs and investors strengthen the fabric of our local economy by connecting leaders in our community with entrepreneurs in a meaningful way to build valuable networks, provide invaluable support, and increase the chances that local ventures will survive and thrive. "We are happy to have a trusted and entrepreneurial partner in REDC in our latest iteration of PitchFork," said Hannah Grimes Center founder and executive director, Mary Ann Kristiansen.
Three businesses poised for growth looking for capital will present at the April 2, 2020 evening event. Apply by February 20, 2020, to be considered for the event.
Applications are open now and you can learn more at: https://www.hannahgrimes.com/pitchfork. Don’t be discouraged to apply – if you are unable to answer any questions or supply the required documents, we can help develop the materials!
About Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship: The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to provide the space, tools, and connections that innovative entrepreneurs need to build strong businesses, thriving local economies, and vibrant communities in the Monadnock Region.
Their success supports Hannah Grimes' broader vision of a sustainable thriving local economy and vibrant community built upon the region's heritage, culture, natural resources, and the civic-minded entrepreneurial spirit of its people. Between the Business Incubator Program, Startup Lab, the Hive Co-Working Space, leadership programs, workshops, pro bono coaching, office space, the PitchFork local investing program, networking events, and a locally-based retail marketplace, the Hannah Grimes Center delivers the tools that help organizations take root, grow, and thrive. www.HannahGrimes.com