Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) in partnership with the Cabinet for Economic Development’s KY Innovation Office, is excited to announce that applications are now open for the third-annual Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition, presented by Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. 

The competition is in conjunction with the 2021 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, at the Corbin Arena on October 13-14 at 5:00 p.m..

The Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition will be held on Tuesday, October 12 at 2nd and Main in downtown Corbin.

This year’s competition is sponsored by Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. Through the generous support of our sponsor, those pitching will compete for a $7,000 grand prize, $4,000 second place award and $1,500 for third place. The winner of the competition will make their pitch during the main session of the 2021 SOAR Summit on October 14 at the Corbin Arena.

“Community Trust Bancorp is pleased to sponsor this competition, one that will highlight the creativity and innovation of the best and brightest minds in Eastern Kentucky,” said Jean R. Hale, Chairman, President and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.  “We look forward to the presentations from the men and women who will help build Eastern Kentucky’s economic future.”

The Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition is an opportunity for young companies with a unique product or service to further grow their business with the help of outside funding. By participating in the pitch contest, startups will have the chance to prove the validity of their concept to potential lenders and investors.

“Appalachia Kentucky is home to creative people that possess a great amount of ingenuity,” said Joshua Ball, Chief Operating Officer of SOAR. “We are honored to build a stage for ideas to take root, for businesses to launch or expand, and to celebrate those that are creating their own pathways.”

To participate in the Pitch Competition, applicants must meet this criteria:

• Business must be based in Kentucky and a startup.
  • A Startup is defined as a concept or existing business financed by its founders that is attempting to attract outside investment.
• An existing business cannot be more than three years old.
• Must have a product or service that has an e-commerce or exporting focus.

To apply for the 2021 Startup Appalachia Pitch competition, simply fill out the online application. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 10. Those selected to participate will be notified no later than September 24.

To stay up to date on announcements regarding the 2021 SOAR Summit, visit the SOAR website.

For questions or more information, please contact Sabrina McWhorter, SOAR Innovation Champion at sabrina@soar-ky.org.