Business Pitch Challenge

By Maria Fleck

Every year, the City of Mandan’s Business Development & Communications Department puts on the Business Pitch Challenge. “The Mandan Business Pitch Challenge’s purpose is for the aspiring entrepreneurs of Mandan who could use a boost on their entrepreneurial journey,” explains Madison Cermak, Business Development & Communications Director. The first-place prize includes a $10,000 forgivable loan, a $750 cash prize, a $1,500 advertising package, and a lot more.

This year marked the 5th annual Business Pitch Challenge. Every year, a wide range of entrepreneurs submit their applications to a fiveperson committee who narrows down the list to four finalists each of whom present their business plan to a panel of judges. Some of the criteria for winning include thoroughness, innovativeness, and public benefits to Mandan, although there are many more.

This year’s winner was Send-It! 24/7 Cornhole, a recreational venue by Jed Geer, Brad Anderson and Brandon Koch. Their venue has a full bar, axe throwing and more, in addition to cornhole. The three runner-ups were Inside Park, Just You Studios, and Big Stick Cigars, all of whom also won a cash prize.

The Business Pitch Challenge is a community event. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives hosts while West River Produce caters, and several members of the community volunteer to help organize and set up this event. Organizations like the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and ND Small Business Development Center also pitch in their time to put on the event, while multiple local Mandan businesses give away prizes to the four finalists to help further their entrepreneurial journey. “It is important for Mandan to host this event, because the Mandan community already has a wellestablished entrepreneurial spirit, with many mentors willing to stepup and help those aspiring entrepreneurs make their business plans a reality—while keeping those entrepreneurs and their start-ups in the Mandan community for the long-haul,” says Madison.