Southeastern Massachusetts will have its own version of “Shark Tank” next month when HarborOne Bank holds its third annual small business “Pitch Contest.” Applications opened May 1, 2018 and the deadline to apply is May 31, 2018. Please visit www.harborone.com/pitchcontest to apply or find out more.
 
On June 12, eight entrepreneurs will audition to pitch their potential business plans to five judges, competing for a $5,000 investment to help grow and develop a business. Two runner-ups will each receive a $1,000 prize in the competition, modeled after the ABC reality television show “Shark Tank.”
 
Kim Ferrara, CEO of Coach Kim LLC and President/Founder of Wigglekids® Inc. from Swansea, MA and last years’ winner of HarborOne’s Pitch Contest, will speak to attendees about her outcomes since taking home the Bank’s top prize in 2017.
 
“HarborOne Bank has been an active supporter of growing small businesses and building economic development in the community in which we live and work,” said James W. Blake, CEO of HarborOne Bank. “We’re looking forward to working with our region’s most creative entrepreneurs and hearing some exciting pitches from those who are hoping to grow and develop strong businesses.”
 
The small business pitch contest is designed to provide an opportunity for area entrepreneurs to present their business plans and ideas in a constructive, fun and friendly forum. Each applicant will have five minutes to present a business plan and growth strategy. Participants will be judged on presentation, marketing and sales strategy and overall business management. Judges will then select three finalists to present a one-minute pitch on how the prize money will be utilized.
 
Judges will include:
 

• Tom Waltke, VP/Director of Small Business, HarborOne Bank
• Jegoo Lee, PhD, Associate Professor Management/Ethics at Stonehill College
• Sheila Randolph, owner Fundraiser Travel
• Manassah Bradley, Senior Business Advisor and Educator
• Nancy Lowd, Senior Business Advisor, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

HarborOne Bank’s Small Business Pitch Contest will start at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12 at HarborOne U, 131 Copeland Drive in Mansfield. Pre-registration is required to attend. Please visit www.harborone.com/harboroneu to register.