The Miller Lite Tap the Future® business plan competition is back for its third year, returning to cities across the U.S. for its Live Pitch Event tour to find the most original business ideas. Five semifinalists from California and the surrounding states will deliver their best pitch in front of a live audience for a chance to win big money for their small businesses.
The Los Angeles event will take place on Tuesday, July 28 at The Conga Room. The entrepreneurs will be evaluated and receive feedback from some of the sharpest business minds in the country, including lead judge Daymond John from ABC’s “Shark Tank.” The semifinalist who comes out on top will receive $20,000 and advance to the national finals where they will compete for a grand prize of $200,000.
“Miller Lite was built from the entrepreneurial spirit and passion of Frederick Miller, in turn, we look to help today’s entrepreneurs stay true to themselves and keep their passions alive,” said Steve Canal, MillerCoors manager of community affairs. “Passion is at the root of what makes a business successful and the pitch is where we get to see that come through. We celebrate entrepreneurship and hope to continue serving our communities by being a resource for small business owners on their paths to success.”
“Having done my fair share of business pitching and evaluating the pitches of others, I’ve gathered a lot of expertise in this area that I always like passing along to the emerging entrepreneurs in this competition,” said Daymond John, Shark Tank investor, author and business mogul. “The Miller Lite Tap the Future program is a great learning experience for the contestants where they practice the art of pitching to an investor, networking and putting together a solid business plan. It’s also a great launching pad for the winning businesses, as the grants are given free and clear. Miller Lite takes no equity from the companies, which is a big deal for entrepreneurs. I look forward to seeing the semifinalists on the tour.”
Joining “The Shark” on the judging panel will be Sulaiman “Su” Sanni and Ben Lamson, co-owners of WeDidIt, a tech company that helps nonprofits raise money and reach new donors through web, mobile and analytics. Sanni and Lamson are also past recipients of a MillerCoors business grant. Guest judge Chris Dyer, company culture expert and CEO of PeopleG2, will also participate on the panel. The event will be hosted by Kenny Burns, senior vice president of marketing for Revolt TV, author of “The Dream is Real” and founder of the lifestyle, online magazine studio43.com.
