University Libraries’, Steve Cramer, Business and Entrepreneur Librarian, co-chaired the Entrepreneurship and Libraries Conference (ELC) held its 3rd annual Pitch Competition on May 4, 2023, with co-sponsorship by EBSCO and ALA.
The competition focuses on how libraries can support aspiring and existing small business owners, entrepreneurs, and other aspects of local economic development. This year, emphasis was on pitches related to local equity issues and marginalized populations. Five finalists were chosen to compete on Pitch Day from an initial pool of 30 applicants from the U.S. and Canada. Winners of the competition received cash prizes totaling $10,000, as well as opportunities for mentoring following the competition. The contestants each had 5 minutes to present their proposals, focusing on topics such as formerly incarcerated individuals, teen and young adult engagement, and resources for the legacy community in the cannabis industry. Following deliberation by a panel of judges and an attendee poll to determine the audience favorite. Click HERE to read more about the event!
