Third Big Gig Pitch-Off, Networking Event Feb. 11

Big Gig, the network for innovators and entrepreneurs in the Orono, Old Town and Bangor areas, is holding its third networking and pitch-off event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Husson University’s Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business in Bangor.

Three participants will be preselected to deliver a three-minute elevator pitch — with no slideshows or handouts — about their business idea to a panel of local “Big Wigs” and attendees.

The panelists — Steve Holt, owner of Shaw & Tenney in Orono; Dorathy Martel, community development specialist at Eastern Maine Development Corp.; and Cathy Conlow, city manager for the city of Bangor — will offer constructive feedback, and the audience will vote on the best pitch.

The winner will receive $100 from the University Credit Union and earn a spot to compete for a $1,000 grand prize in the Big Gig finale in April.

To participate in the Big Gig, all pitchers must take part in a Little Gig event 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 at Eastern Maine Development Corp. in Bangor. At the Little Gig, a team of advisers will help participants polish their pitch and select three of them to move onto the Big Gig.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. The application is available online.

The event is free, open to the public and sponsored by Blackstone Accelerates Growth. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

The Big Gig is a partnership between the towns of Orono and Old Town, the University of Maine and Husson University that aims to create a network of innovators and entrepreneurs looking to make positive economic changes in their communities. Learn more at biggig.org.