WASHINGTON – Administrator Linda McMahon, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will deliver remarks at the 2017 InnovateHER Challenge, a national live-pitch competition that provides an opportunity for small businesses to showcase products, technologies, or services being developed throughout the United States. These visionary entrepreneurs have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families, and in the marketplace.
During the spring and summer of 2017, 120 local host organizations administered a preliminary round of local pitch competitions resulting in 10 national finalists. The 10 finalists were selected through a rigorous nationwide competition held by host organizations, including universities, accelerators, and SBA Resource Partners that ran local area competitions through June 2017. Next, an executive committee of SBA officials evaluated more than 120 semi-finalist nominations and chose 10 finalists to participate in the National Pitch Competition, whose products and services best meet the competition criteria and present the greatest potential for success.
The InnovateHER Challenge finalists will come to Washington, D.C. to conduct a marketing pitch before a team of judges to compete for the top three awards totaling $70,000 in prize money [provided by the Sara Blakely Foundation]. A luncheon will follow the pitch competition, where the winners will be announced.
Media are invited to attend the pitch competition. Select finalists will be made available for interviews.
WHO: SBA Administrator Linda McMahon
WHAT: InnovateHER Pitch Competition Finals
WHEN: Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
9:00 a.m. – Live Pitch Competition
11:30 a.m. – Networking
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
12:10 p.m. – Administrator McMahon’s Remarks
1:00 p.m. – Winners Announced
WHERE: Top of the Town
1400 N. 14th St.
Arlington, Virginia 22209
HOW: Media can confirm attendance HERE.
Requests for interviews with Administrator McMahon can be directed to Press Secretary Casey Brinck at casey.brinck@sba.gov; (202) 664-0758.
For details on the InnovateHER Challenge, visit www.sba.gov/innovateHER.
---
The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration to this activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsors or participant’s opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Cosponsorship Authorization #17-6050-38. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities. Please contact WomenBusiness@sba.gov.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov