Learn the Art of the Business Pitch at Dec. 11 Workshop

A workshop on the art of perfecting your business pitch in order to increase sales and promote your business will be held Tuesday, Dec. 11, 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 & Development, Aloha Insurance Services, and Darl Gleed, attorney at law.

Participants 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.”

Event co-creator Hazel Beck, director at the Hawaii Small Business Development Center, explains, “Business or non-profit, pitching is a vital skill. Your pitch is your lifeline, it’s how you sell your company’s story.”

This seminar-gone-game-show will end with a pitch-off that will culminate in the panel of experts awarding the title of “Hottest Pitch on the Island” and a mystery prize.

The day starts with a series of interactive sessions that build up to a “Shark Tank meets American Idol, Island Style” competitive pitchfest.

Pitch session judges include Jim Lally, partner emeritus, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; Don Straney, chancellor, University of Hawaii at Hilo; and Vivian Landrum, president and CEO of the Kona -Kohala Chamber of Commerce.

The event, which is organized by Friends of NELHA, Hawaii SBDC and re: Sales & Marketing, is limited to 25 participants.

Tickets are $50 for participation in the “Life’s a Pitch” seminar and pitchfest.

Admission includes: continental breakfast, lunch and the pitchin’ pizza party. Registration is at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop starts at 9 a.m.

Tickets for just the $20 pitchfest audience are also available, limited to 40 people, and include the pizza party. Tickets available at www.lifes-a-pitch.eventbrite.com. Entry time for this ticket is 2:45 to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit lifes-a-pitch.eventbrite.com or call Jackie Muller at Hawaii SBDC at 808-327-3680.