The application and pitch video are due October 24, 2022. Winners will be notified by email by November 4, 2022 and prizes will be distributed no later than December 16, 2022.

The CATS Pitch 2022 Competition is open to for-profit companies that have at least 50% historically underrepresented ownership and are legally registered/incorporated in one of the eligible counties of Central North Carolina. For purposes of this Competition, an historically underrepresented founder/owner is an individual who identifies as being: Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian or other Person of Color, LGBTQIA+, Woman/Femme, or Disabled. Eligible North Carolina counties include Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Stanly & Union.  

The following entities are ineligible to receive funding and are unable to compete:

• Endowments, capital campaigns or other fundraising events
• Lobbying organizations, political parties or labor organizations
• Fraternal groups
• Religious groups
• Individuals
• Entities that may be connected to prohibited drug-related activities

Pitch Application:

Submit the following information about your company via the online application. 

• Contact Information: owner/founder name(s) & email
• Company Information: mailing address, county of business, phone, website, social media handles
• 3-minute pitch video, following these submission guidelines

Elements to consider in preparing your pitch:

• • Description of Product or Service
  • Value Proposition – How does the product or service add value for customers?
  • Target Market Characteristics – Who buys the product or service? How big is the target market?
  • Differentiation – How is the product or service different from existing products and services?
  • Competitive Advantage – What is the competitive advantage? (patent, algorithm, unique service model, etc.)
  • Revenue Model – How does the product or service generate revenue? (sales, subscription, advertisement, etc.)
  • Team – What unique combination of talent have you gathered to develop your solution?
  • PowerPoint or slide presentations are recommended.

Pitches will be judged and scored based on the following criteria:

• Opportunity: proven need, large addressable market
• Solution: effective solution; competitive differentiation
• Business Model: clear articulation of payment flows – B2C, B2B, B2B2C, etc.
• Traction: product-market fit
• Team: relevant experience, compatibility, completeness
• Impact: winning will have a meaningful impact on the business

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is not guaranteed in any way. Do not include confidential material in your submissions. CATS Pitch 2022 Competition accepts no responsibility for preventing other competitors, judges, sponsors or others who see or hear a pitch competitor’s idea or materials from sharing the idea and/or materials. Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Covenants Not to Compete between a competitor and CATS Pitch 2022 Organizing Committee and/or judges are not permitted. Sharing your idea or concept may be deemed a public disclosure. It is the responsibility of applicants to consult with an attorney before entering the competition.

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE

CATS Pitch 2022 Competition Organizers may take photographs and/or video of any materials used or made available by pitching individuals/teams during the competition for public relations purposes. Any content presented by a competitor should be considered public information disclosure. Competitors should carefully consider excluding any proprietary information or materials that the competitor feels is at risk of disclosure.

DISCLAIMERS

Funds are intended to be invested in the growth of the business. If chosen as a winner, your business is responsible for all applicable taxes.

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT – Review the CATS Pitch 2022 Participation Agreement here.