5 Local Startups to Compete for $5,000 at St. Pete Pitch Night

On Wednesday, July 8, 2020 from 5-7 PM, the St. Petersburg Greenhouse will host their second annual St. Pete Pitch Night.

This competition is an opportunity for the entrepreneurial spirit of our community to shine and for one lucky “Pitcher” to receive a prize of $5,000 to go towards their small business. Who can forget last year’s winner, Miles Fetherston-Resch, who wowed the judges and audience with his presentation on Kids Saving the Oceans? His business sells stickers, hats and t-shirts made from recycled ocean plastics, cotton scraps and recycled vinyl. A portion of the proceeds are donated to various conservation organizations, such as Mote Marine Laboratory, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Shark Allies and Mission Blue.  

Pitch Night is already one of the most anticipated events of the year and Grow Smarter is proud to be able to claim a little bit of the fame. The origins of this competition happened in one of our Entrepreneurial Workgroup meetings just a couple of years ago. That workgroup consists of some of the sharpest minds in our small business community. With the opportunity to collaboratethey were able to produce the first event last year. The idea took root and the Greenhouse and USF St. Pete teamed up to make it happen. The conceptualization of Pitch Night is, in fact, a testament to great ideas and strong partnerships. The conversation that spurred the idea was rather briefbut the action born from that meeting produced the stellar event you’ll see on July 8 and years to come. 

The first Pitch Night was hosted on campus and welcomed 96 guests and pitches, but considering the global pandemic, this year’s event returns in a virtual format. The wonderful Greenhouse team have pivoted to bring you a totally digital Pitch Night! Yes, the format is going to look a little different, but we are none the less excited to see what these enthusiastic Pitchers bring to the table. 

Learn more about the Pitchers and join us on July 8 by registering at www.stpetegreenhouse.com/pitch  

About the Author:

Marisa Noe, Grow Smarter St. Petersburg

Grow Smarter works to reduce gaps by race and place in St. Petersburg, Florida by introducing equity to economic development efforts.