Learn the Art of the Business Pitch at Sept. 29 Workshop

A workshop on the art of perfecting your business pitch in order to increase sales and promote your business will be held Saturday, September 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NELHA Gateway Center in Kailua-Kona.

The event is sponsored by the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development and is organized by Friends of NELHA, Hawaii Small Business Development Center, re: Sales & Marketing, and Hawai‘i Community College.

Attendees will spend the day in an energetic environment learning one of the most important skills available to a business or non-profit; the art of “the pitch.”

A pitch is an opportunity to sell your story about your business. Your pitch will answer the question: “What do you do for a living?”, “Why should I buy from you?”, “Why should I give to your non-profit?”, or “Why should I invest in your business?”

Whether you are working with a non-profit or running a business, having an effective business pitch is an essential business skill.

The day starts with a series of interactive workshops that build up to a competitive pitchfest. Participants pitch against each other for the title “Hottest Pitch on the Island” and a mystery prize.

The day ends with an “American Idol-like” pitchfest with celebrity judges Jim Lally, partner emeritus; Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; Don Straney, chancellor, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo; and Cathy Wiltse, state director, Hawaii SBDC.

Tickets are $50 for participation in the boot-camp and pitchfest. Admission includes: continental breakfast, lunch, and the pitchin’ pizza party.  Tickets are available at http://lifesapitch.eventbrite.com/.

Participation is limited to 25 pitches. If you are not ready to pitch your business but would prefer to watch the activities, $20 pitchfest audience tickets, limited to 40 people, are available on http://www.eventbright.com/.This special ticket includes the pizza party. Entry time for this ticket is 2:45 to 3 p.m.

For info, visit http://www.lifesapitch.org/ or Hawaii SBDC at (808) 327-3680.