The George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at
Cleveland State Community College will host a Community Pitch Competition on Tuesday,
March 25 at 6 p.m.
Modeled after the popular television show, Shark Tank, the winners of the competition will
receive seed money to invest in their established business provided by the Lynn Jones
Foundation. First place will receive $7,500; second place will receive $4,000, and third place
will receive $1,500.
The competition is open to any new business in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe or Polk
counties that has been in operation for at least six months but no longer than two years.
Businesses interested in participating should complete the competition application at
https://entrepreneurship.clevelandstatecc.edu/. The deadline to apply is 12 p.m. on Friday, March
7.
The Community Pitch Competition is part of the Entrepreneurship Event at Cleveland State. The
free event includes a Student Pitch Competition at 12 p.m. featuring current Cleveland State
students. The event is open to the public and sponsored by the George R. Johnson Center for
Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Lynn Jones Foundation, the Cleveland Bradley Business
Incubator and the Small Business Development Center.
Rick Platz, George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Advisory Board
Chairman, said, “We all know how important early financial support can be for small business
start-ups. This is a great opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. Apply now to compete for
$7,500!”
Established to encourage and support entrepreneurial learning among students, alumni, faculty
and the community, the George R. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation assists
individuals who are interested in building or growing their own enterprises. The intent of the
center is to connect future and current entrepreneurs with the resources needed to create, launch
and grow business. The center also supports the entrepreneurship concentration through the
Cleveland State business degree program.