Pitch Night Lineup Is Set for June 26

Six participants have three chances for a shot at the Grand Prize in October

Small business owners specializing in duck calls, refurbished furniture, Japanese cuisine, chocolate fondue, painting classes, and event design will be in the spotlight at the next Pitch Night event from the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership.

The contestants will take turns at the mic Thursday, June 26 at Backside Brewing in Roseburg. Each finalist will have five minutes to present their business or business idea to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Judges will also have five minutes to ask questions of each entrepreneur before deciding the winners.

The top three presenters will share $2,000 in prize funds to help their business grow. The top two pitchers will advance to the Pitch Night Finals – and a chance to compete for their share of $10,000 – on October 23, 2025.

The six contestants that have been chosen for this round are: Buddy Bradley – Wyatt’s Waterfowl Company;

Shawn Garrett – Serendipity; Jessica Salg - Create & Sip Studio; Eric Sklarew – Upscale Resale; Jill Fay - Better

Together Events & Rentals; and Manami Lee - Kuma's Table.

Pitch Night is a program of the Umpqua Economic Development Partnership. “Investing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is a proven strategy for economic development,” said Brian Prawitz, Executive

Director of UEDP.  “Successful small businesses stimulate our economy, create jobs, foster innovation, and enhance economic resilience. We look forward to seeing these businesses succeed and expand.”

The Partnership received 16 applications from business owners throughout Douglas County through the Pitch Night website www.umpquagrowthtalks.com. Each small business owner has been paired with a personal coach, and will meet again a week before the big night to practice their presentations in front of one other and all six coaches. The goal is for each owner to further develop the focus and messaging of their business for future success beyond their pitch night experience.

Since its inception in 2019, Pitch Night events have generated over $80,000 for local entrepreneurs. Participants also benefit from valuable guidance and feedback from Pitch Night coaches, who assist with pitch preparation and offer business advice during a practice session held one week prior to each event.

Audience registration for the June 26 event is now open. Tickets are free, but attendees are asked to RSVP.

For more information on how to apply, sponsor, or attend Pitch Nights, visit www.umpquagrowthtalks.com.