Up to six entrepreneurs will be selected from a pool of applicants to compete for a chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prize packages at the first Entrepreneurs Challenge.
The “Shark Tank”-inspired showcase will occur at Center Court of Eden Prairie Center mall on Saturday, May 21. The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, April 22.
According to a news release, competitors will pitch their ideas/inventions/products/services to a panel of judges, including local celebrity “Erik the Bike Man” Saltvold, founder and owner of ERIK’s Bike Shop.
It is free to attend. People from Eden Prairie and surrounding areas are encouraged to watch the event unfold, concluding with the winner’s announcement and awards presentation.
This is the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s first time hosting the event.
Pat MulQueeny, the chamber’s president, said the business organization has a successful track record of growing, developing, and connecting local dreamers and solo/entrepreneurs toward expanding their business.
“Whether you have a service provided to a niche market or a product made for the masses — your local chamber of commerce can be just the investment needed to jump start your business,” he said. “Now, we are spearheading the initiative to invest back into our own local entrepreneurs. We’re so excited to see what innovations are brought to the table.”
Prizes include:
- Three months of rent-free retail real estate at the Eden Prairie Center.
- A brand story-building package by Experience Leadership.
- A cash sum sponsored by First Western Bank & Trust and Starkey Hearing Technologies.
Applicants need not be chamber members, as the application is open to anyone looking to cater and serve the Eden Prairie area.
“We value entrepreneurship here in Eden Prairie,” MulQueeny said. “We understand the struggles and barriers they face every day. We also know that Eden Prairie businesses are here to support one another, and the partnerships brought upon by this initiative proves just that. Cash and prize packages won’t take away these barriers, but they can at the very least, lower the hurdle and encourage growth of their efforts right here in Eden Prairie. Every little bit can help.”
Email applications (which can be downloaded on the chamber’s website) to pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org.