’25 Pitch Night Schedule:

4 Events and New Format

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2024

Contact: Brian Prawitz, Executive Director, (541) 464-3527, bprawitz@uedpartnership.org

(Roseburg, OR) – The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership (UEDP) is pleased to announce the

schedule for the 2025 Umpqua Growth Talks Pitch Night series, along with the introduction of an exciting new format for next year. UEDP’s Pitch Night program aims to provide financial and advisory support to emerging businesses in Douglas County, fostering their growth and increasing their chances of success. Thriving small businesses create employment opportunities, support family-wage jobs, and help retain talent.

For the 2025 series, UEDP is inviting small businesses and startups that are three years old or younger to apply for participation in three qualifying events: March 6, June 19, and September 4. As in previous years, the top three winners, along with an audience choice winner, will receive prize money. Notably, the 2025 series introduces a significant change: the top two winners from each of the three qualifying events will advance to the Grand Prize Night on October 23, where they will compete for an expanded prize pool and the title of 2025 Pitch Night Grand Prize winner.

“Investing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is a proven strategy for economic development organizations like UEDP to stimulate job creation, foster innovation, and enhance economic resilience,” said Brian Prawitz,

Executive Director of UEDP. “We are excited about the direction Pitch Night is heading and look forward to

building upon the momentum generated in 2024.”

While final prize amounts are still being determined, participants in the first three Pitch Nights will compete to share a prize pool of at least $2,000, with the October Grand Prize Night offering a significantly larger prize pool, expected to exceed $10,000. “Local foundations, businesses, and community organizations have shown exceptional support for Pitch Night, recognizing its value in fostering business growth and innovation,” Prawitz added. “The prize funds will continue to reflect the generous backing from our community partners.”

Since its inception in 2019, Pitch Night events have generated nearly $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.

For more information on how to apply, sponsor, or attend the Umpqua Growth Talks Pitch Nights, please visit

www.umpquagrowthtalks.com.