FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Candice Conti
805-756-5171; clconti@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Seeks Entries for Fifth Annual TechPitch Competition

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly, Softec and the Economic Vitality Corp. (EVC) are accepting applications from startups in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties for the fifth annual TechPitch competition.

Entrepreneurs looking to participate must apply at www.techpitch.org and submit an executive summary of their business plan by midnight Monday, Sept. 14. Selected startups will receive professional consulting, contacts and opportunities from affiliate organizations and will get help accessing capital.

“TechPitch seeks to promote the launch and growth of the region’s hottest new tech companies,” said Judy Mahan, director of the SBDC and CIE Incubator.

At the competition, six selected applicants will pitch their technology-related business ideas to a panel of industry experts and investors. The winner will receive the $5,000 grand prize.

The TechPitch event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Alex Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo. This year’s keynote speaker will be Lynda Weinman, founder of Lynda.com, who recently sold her company to LinkedIn for $1.5 billion. Tickets are $15 for students. Tickets for the public are $45 per person or $300 per table of eight.

For more information on eligibility, requirements and event registration, go to www.techpitch.org, or contact Natalie Lovgren, SBDC project coordinator, at 805-756-5171 or nelovgre@calpoly.edu.

TechPitch is a collaborative event organized by the Cal Poly Small Business Development Center for Innovation, Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Softec and the Economic Vitality Corp. Event sponsors include First Capital Bank, Heritage Oaks Bank, Pacific Western Bank, Experts Exchange and the Madonna Inn.

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About the Cal Poly Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for Innovation

The Cal Poly SBDC for Innovation promotes the development of technology-focused ventures. By providing high-quality business assistance to startups and established companies, the the SBDC for Innovation helps entrepreneurs launch companies, create and retain jobs, attract capital investment, and contribute to the prosperity of the Central Coast. For more information, go to www.sbdc.calpoly.edu.

About the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship manages and supports a wide variety of programs and activities to stimulate the entrepreneurial Learn by Doing spirit at Cal Poly and to assist entrepreneurs in following their dreams. For more information, go to www.cie.calpoly.edu.

About the Economic Vitality Corp.

Economic Vitality Corp. (EVC) is a regional nonprofit, economic development organization committed to developing a vibrant and sustainable economy throughout San Luis Obispo County. We connect businesses with resources to help them become established and grow. Since 1994, the EVC has provided world-class business resources for a thriving community. Go to www.sloevc.org.

About Softec 

Softec is a nonprofit organization focused on the success of the technology industry on the Central Coast. It plays a key role in the community by supporting new business formation and working as an advocate for technology businesses in the area.