River Pitch Competition Returns for 2022

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week this month, the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, a part of The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business, is hosting the sixth annual River Pitch Competition Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa River Market.

There is no entry fee for the competition, which is open to UA students, faculty, staff and members of the West Alabama community. It provides participants with a way to compete, receive feedback and network with experts who can help entrepreneurs move their innovative ideas forward. Ten winning teams will each receive $1,000 to support their innovative endeavors.

“This event is fun, and it’s inspiring,” said Dr. Theresa M. Welbourne, executive director of the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute. “Whether you have your own idea and want to pitch, or you are there to watch and learn, the people presenting will motivate you.”

Each year, about 50 individuals, many working as a team, take part in the competition. A representative from each team delivers a three-minute presentation to a panel of judges, who can ask questions about the innovation.

Several former winners of the River Pitch Competition have gone on to find business success in West Alabama, including Art Garage, TankR and City Detect.

Art Garage in downtown Tuscaloosa provides children with time to focus on art and play, while TankR, an on-call fuel delivery service, saves drivers time by bringing the gas pump to their car. City Detect, based in Northport, has devised an innovative data-driven approach to urban blight.

“We are happy to see that great ideas not only start here, but the entrepreneurs also choose to stay and grow their businesses here,” said Jim Page, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and a River Pitch sponsor. “This year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of The EDGE, our incubator and accelerator, where many of the entrepreneurs go to build their businesses. The energy and enthusiasm of everyone who has come together in our community really comes through in these events.”

To learn more about the River Pitch Competition, visit the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute website.