Calling all entrepreneurs in Whatcom and Skagit counties: The Bellingham Angel Investors (BAI) will be hosting a business pitch competition in August.
BAI aims to empower local leaders to support the economy by making local investments. The group has invested more than $30 million since its founding in 2005, most of which goes to startups in the Pacific Northwest and B.C.
Interested applicants can fill out a questionnaire on the BAI website, and BAI investors will review the pitches before inviting the finalists to pitch at a live event in November, with prizes totaling $10,000. Investors will also offer coaching to help applicants refine their pitches.
Applicants need to have submitted a formal business proposal and have a presence in either Whatcom or Skagit counties, though businesses are allowed to operate outside of this area, according to a BAI press release.
“At least one team member should reside in Whatcom or Skagit counties and the business should either have a presence here, if it already exists or plan to do so, if it is still in the ideation phase,” Gene Kishinevsky, BAI board member, wrote in an email to The Northern Light.
Applications are due August 25, with finalists selected in September and presentations set for November at Whatcom Community College.
“The pitch competition is focused on local startups and growing the local ecosystem,” Kishinevsky said.
Companies are welcome to apply regardless of startup stage or industry, Kishinevsky said. He also said BAI has funded previous startups including computer, medical, and water filtration companies.
BAI has invested in several northwest businesses including Membrion Inc., a commercial wastewater company; Vega Cloud, a digital cloud storage company; and KitoTech Medical, a medical product company.
“In future years, as the event grows, we may add specific categories,” Kishinevsky said.
BAI doesn’t have a physical office or exact estimates on headcount. However, Kishinevsky said they are always interested in new members.
Applicants are encouraged to apply to get potential funding opportunities, network and feedback to prepare pitches for investors.
To apply for funding or to learn more about BAI, visit its website at bit.ly/3RQl7ps.
