PROVIDENCE – (September 3, 2024) – The Rhode Island Business Competition is excited to be heading into its 25th Competition year! After first awarding prizes in 2001, the Competition has served as a major resource for entrepreneurs as well as a vehicle for fostering economic growth in Rhode Island. It is one of the prominent entities operating in the state’s start-up ecosystem and remains committed to helping very early-stage companies and other start-ups, sometimes those that only have an idea, at no cost to them. The Competition is supported by a broad range of sponsors, including private businesses, investors, foundations, colleges and universities, public entities, nonprofit organizations, and former competitors. 

Besides the Competition, which awarded over $75,000 in cash prizes and in-kind services in April 2024 to one winner and two finalists, workshops, pitch contests, networking opportunities, and other resources are offered to assist entrepreneurs with developing a compelling business pitch and pitch deck that will not only help attract investors but also potential customers.

Co-Chair Meaghan Krupa is looking forward to celebrating the 25th Competition year. “I am excited to reflect on the Rhode Island Business Competition’s dedication to the local start-up community and its history as a platform for entrepreneurs to perfect their pitch, network with other entrepreneurs, and gain traction for their business ideas. For our upcoming Competition, I look forward to interacting with local founders and learning more about their businesses, and am grateful that the Competition can award cash and in-kind resources to our winner and finalists to support their businesses’ growth trajectories.”   

The 25th Competition year will kick off on September 24, 2024, with a Lunch and Learn event called “Perfect Your Pitch & Pitch Deck”. Bradley Adams, Co-Founder of Aerogami, and Peter George, a well-known public speaking coach, will help attendees create a compelling pitch deck and perfect their pitch. It will be held from 12pm – 2pm at Venture Café in Providence. Click here for more information and to register.