580 Pitch Competition helps entrepreneurs start businesses

Lawton’s own version of the hit TV show, Shark Tank is coming to Great Plains Technology Center on July 25.

Local entrepreneurs are invited to participate in the 2nd annual 580 Pitch Competition, where they can share their business ideas with a panel of judges and compete for prize money.

The release said entrepreneurs can connect to business mentors and other cohort members, while gaining access to knowledge and resources. Entrepreneurs will learn how to create a business plan to business experts with free business plan coaching.

The release said Comanche County business owners must be 21 years old or older to participate. They also must have a current business registration with the state and have registered their business within the last five years in Oklahoma as an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp or other business entity.

The release said the eligible business must currently have a physical product or service available to sell, have a lifetime revenue of $5,000-75,000 and operate in compliance with all federal laws. Finalists for the 2023 competition are excluded from competing.

The release also said interested business owners should submit their application and $50 application fee by May 31. The application fee allows business owners to receive business plan and pitch training. Semi-finalists will be named on July 2 and will compete for cash prizes on July 25 at Great Plains Technology Center.

Interested business owners can find out more about the event and apply at www.greatplains.edu/business-services/580.