(from left) UNA Associate Dean of Business Jana Beaver, 2019 Shoals Idea Audition winner Lillian Glanton, Shoals Chamber of Commerce President Caitlin Holland, and Bank Independent President Macke Mauldin.
FLORENCE – The finals for the Shoals Idea Audition, a Shoals Shift event supported by
Innovation Sponsor Bank Independent, the Shoals Economic Development Authority, the
University of North Alabama, and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10. The Gold Sponsor for the event is Party Pros, and the Bronze Sponsors include Regions Bank, Shoals Business Incubator, and Spry Law Firm.
Participants’ initial pitch will take place on Monday, November 9 via Zoom. The final pitches will take place via Facebook live on Tuesday, November 10 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The finalists will gather at a location that is to be determined in order to pitch live before our panel of judges. The pitches will be broadcast via Facebook Live. All information about the event can be found at www.shoalsideaaudition.com.
The Shoals Idea Audition is designed to foster new businesses, help entrepreneurs polish their presentations, and introduce community leaders who might be instrumental in helping make their ideas a reality. For the seventh year, hopeful participants will have an opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of area professionals, and the top-scoring idea will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize, with $2,500 and $1,000 to second- and third-place winners, respectively.
“This year’s event will look a little different, but we welcome anyone with a great idea for a new or existing product or service to be a part of the competition,” said Mary Marshall VanSant, a founder of the event. “This is a great way to earn seed money to make it happen or simply test the viability of your idea.”
Last year, Lillian Glanton won the event with her idea to develop Muscle Shoals Song Rooms, a music venue in Sheffield near the Muscle Shoals Sound building where songwriters can have a creative space to advance their skills.
“Each year, the ideas get better and better,” said VanSant. “After preliminary Zoom pitches on November 9, participants will have three minutes to make their pitch the following day. The panel of judges will be made up of local entrepreneurs who will select the winners.”
The submission deadline for ideas is Oct. 30. To register your idea or for full information, please visit the Shoals Idea Audition website: www.shoalsideaaudition.com
Media Release/Ms. Michelle R. Eubanks
Director
University Communications & Marketing
UNA
