START Peninsula is a Shark Tank style business entrepreneurial competition offering up to $10,000 in prizes and other benefits to participants. The three day
weekend event kicks off Friday, November 4, at Thomas Nelson Community College’s Workforce Development Center and ends Sunday, November 6.
The weekend features mentors, speakers, and panels all with the goal of creating and growing new businesses. Individuals who are considering starting a business or are in early stage business development are invited to pitch their business ideas on Friday evening to a panel of expert judges. Of the ideas pitched, 10 will be selected to continue working on their presentations and ideas over the course of the weekend. After honing their concepts into viable business models, the 10 selected will pitch again on Sunday night for the chance to win a first place prize of $10,000, second place prize of $7,500, and third place prize of $5,000. Winners are also provided incubator space at no cost for a limited period of time.
Those interested in pitching a business idea can get help prior to the event by attending one of the
Pitch Perfect meetups happening on Wednesday evenings in October. The START core planning team includes staff from all Peninsula localities, as well as the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Tech Center, and the regional business incubator directors. For more information visit
START Peninsula.