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Wilkes Entrepreneur Network (WEN) Pitch Night

WILKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Funding Amount

$1,000 per award (three awards: $3,000 total)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Wilkes Entrepreneur Network (WEN) Pitch Night

Status: Active community event

Geographic Scope: Wilkes County, North Carolina

Focus Areas: Support local innovation and entrepreneurship for both new and existing local business owners across diverse industries.

Event Details:

  • Community celebration of local entrepreneurs

  • Hosted by Wilkes Entrepreneur Network

  • Led by Wilkes Community College Small Business Center and Wilkes Economic Development Corporation

  • Funded by Weave: The Social Fabric Project

  • Held at WCC-Window World Hall

  • Eight entrepreneurs compete for entrepreneurship stipends

  • Three winners receive $1,000 each
  • 2025 Event: December 3, 2025

    Eligibility:

  • New and existing business owners in Wilkes County

  • Various industries represented (production, food/beverage, retail, wellness, counseling, etc.)
  • What They Fund:

  • Entrepreneurship stipends for business growth and development
  • Judging Panel:

  • Includes local business founders/owners, chamber of commerce leaders, financial institutions, and community leaders
  • Contact:

  • Wilkes Community College Small Business Center

  • Wilkes Economic Development Corporation

  • Phone: (336) 838-1501

  • Website: wilkesedc.com
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Prerequisites for Competition:
    - Completion of two Small Business Center seminars
    - Two hours of one-on-one counseling
    - Development of a comprehensive pitch deck

    2. Application Requirements:
    - Pitch presentation to judges
    - Demonstration of commitment to building sustainable businesses

    3. Selection Criteria:
    - Quality of pitch presentation
    - Business viability and growth potential
    - Judged by panel of local business leaders and experts

    4. Support Resources:
    - Small Business Center seminars available
    - One-on-one counseling sessions
    - Pitch deck development assistance

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businessesstartups

    Categories

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