Our pitch competition is a contest for entrepreneurs of all ages. Entrepreneurs present their business idea(s) to a panel of judges in hope of winning a cash prize or investment. PitchDIA is held every 18-24 months as a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit of Dalton. Our goal is to help businesses start, dream, and thrive. Ready to apply? Click below to apply today. If you are a student, please click here to apply.
PitchDIA is a pitch competition for innovators of all ages. The 2022 competition is Tuesday, May 17th.
DIA is a small business resource center driven by seasoned entrepreneurs, professionals, and community volunteers, aimed at furthering entrepreneurial growth in the Dalton-Whitfield area. The accelerator was formed in 2017 with an initial goal of establishing an annual startup competition called PitchDIA.
The primary goal of the PitchDIA competition is to further entrepreneurial growth in the North Georgia area. Not only will the winners of the competition enjoy prizes, participants will also benefit from significant exposure to seasoned businesspersons and professionals with deep connections in our community. Whether you’re an individual pitching an idea written on a back of a napkin, an experienced business with an R&D offshoot looking to launch, or a company already in the second round of fundraising … we believe your ideas have a place in this competition. Any startup in need of guidance, funding, or an “in” would definitely benefit from participating in PitchDIA, but many investors are planning to be in attendance regardless of your need for prizes.
Yes! We encourage students to participate in the competition. We also encourage students to work with their schools to receive assistance and entrepreneurial education.
The 2022 application will open December 6th, 2021. You may apply online.
The advisory panel will take several factors into consideration including the market opportunity for the idea, the overall business model, the capabilities of your or your team, the story, and the strength of the product/service offering.
Yes! The Dalton Innovation Accelerator offers pitch workshops and 1:1 assistance.
Investors will be in attendance, some are involved in the establishment of the competition itself while others (and their firms) attend for the competition itself. If you are an accredited investor and would like to attend, please contact Lauren Holverson, Executive Director. Accredited investors who RSVP will have additional materials made available to them during and after the event.
The best way to get involved in the pitch competition, whether as a mentor or investor, is through the Dalton Innovation Accelerator. Please contact Lauren Holverson, Executive Director. in the near future and that information will be published here as it becomes available.
Yes! We encourage people from the community to attend. Selected applicants and their stakeholders, members of the Dalton Innovation Accelerator advisory board, judges, invited guests, invited investors, and guests who RSVP may be given priority over the general public if space becomes a concern.
Coming Soon!
Grand Prize winners will receive:
Second Place winners will receive:
Third Place winners will receive:
