Pitch Kitchen – Pitch & Prosper

Pitch & Prosper is a dynamic two-hour workshop designed to spark entrepreneurship in rural communities by providing an inclusive space for aspiring business owners to share their ideas and receive real-time, constructive feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs. Whether participants have a fully-formed business plan or are simply exploring an idea, this workshop offers a supportive environment to speak their vision aloud, get encouragement, and gain practical insights.

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND

Objectives:

• Encourage rural residents to explore entrepreneurship

• Provide access to experienced mentors and business leaders

• Build confidence and communication skills among aspiring entrepreneurs

• Foster a network of local innovators and small business supporters

Format:

• Welcome & Warm-Up (15 min): Introduction to the workshop and community-building activity

• Lightning Pitches (60 min): Each participant gets 3–5 minutes to share their idea, followed by 5 minutes of feedback from a panel of local entrepreneurs and business advisors

• Group Discussion & Resource Share (30 min): Open Q&A, discussion of common themes, and sharing of local support resources (grants, mentorship, DN coworking resources, SBDC, etc.)

• Wrap-Up & Next Steps (15 min): Encouragement to keep developing ideas, with follow-up opportunities for 1:1 mentorship or business planning support

Target Audience:
Rural community members of all ages who have a business idea, idea to grow an existing business , or side hustle in mind, including students, retirees, value-added ag , artists, and tradespeople.

Outcomes:
Participants leave with:

• Honest, supportive feedback

• New connections with local business leaders

• Increased confidence and direction for next steps

• Awareness of available business support resources