Volusia pitch competition draws about 40 applications; public showcase set for March 27

Samantha, the city's director of economic development, told the task force the Volusia Business Resources pitch competition received "about 40 applications" during its January window and that staff will vet entries before finalists move on to an educational phase.

"They got, about 40 applications," Samantha said, describing the response to the event's first year. She said the next stage will include training on business plans, marketing and finances and that applicants who do not advance will still be able to exhibit at a public showcase.

The public showcase is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 27 at the Ocean Center, Samantha said. "It's from 05:30 to 08:30 on March 27. It'll be at the Ocean Center," she said, adding that the event will be free to the public and will include a crowd-favorite vote.

Samantha summarized eligibility and selection criteria: ideas must be new to the market (goods or services), may be operated by students or established owners, and existing businesses may apply provided annual sales are under $100,000. She said regional economic development practitioners are assisting as a vetting panel and that the judging panel had not yet been identified.

Staff asked task force members to help promote sponsorship and outreach. Samantha said the team is using social media, chamber partnerships and direct contacts to recruit sponsors and attendees and offered to circulate electronic flyers and links for members to share.

The timeline for the pitch competition: application window Jan. 1'Jan. 31; vetting and educational workshops in the weeks that follow; public showcase March 27 at the Ocean Center. Staff encouraged members and local investors to attend and said the event aims to grow countywide entrepreneurial support over time.