April 10, 2025
6-8pm Pitch Competition
at Ashland Theatre
Ready to Sink or Swim? The Friendliest Shark Tank in the Center of the Universe is Back!
For its 11th year, the Dominion Energy Innovation Center and Downtown Ashland Association are casting a spotlight on bold entrepreneurs ready to make waves. Watch as local innovators take the plunge, pitching their next big idea for a chance to reel in $35,000 in funding!
Join us for an evening of innovation, competition, and hometown hustle! Who will make a splash and who will walk away with the ultimate catch?
🚀 Three high-stakes categories.
One unforgettable showcase. 🚀
🦈 Hanover and Beyond
Three entrepreneurs will step into the tank to pitch their business plans in a five-minute showdown on April 10th. A panel of industry pros will determine who swims to the top, awarding $9,000 in prizes:
🏆 $5,000 – First Place (plus a DEIC membership)
🥈 $2,500 – Second Place
🥉 $1,500 – Third Place
🌱 Agriculture & Forestry
Rooted in innovation, this category highlights groundbreaking ideas in agriculture and forestry. Three entrepreneurs will plant the seeds of their success with a five-minute pitch on April 10th for a share of $9,000 in funding:
🏆 $5,000 – First Place (plus a DEIC membership)
🥈 $2,500 – Second Place
🥉 $1,500 – Third Place
📍 Center of the Universe
This is where big ideas meet big opportunities! Three local business leaders will take center stage, pitching their ventures on April 10th, 2025, to hook a share of $17,500:
🏆 $10,000 – First Place (plus a Downtown Ashland Association membership)
🥈 $5,000 – Second Place
🥉 $2,500 – Third Place
🦈 MEET THE JUDGES 🦈
These sharks are ready to take a bite out of local business! Our panel of expert judges will be circling the Center Street Pitch contestants, deciding which entrepreneurs rise to the top!
📅 Dive Into Success – Register Now!
Join Women Building Bridges to Business for an exclusive power-up session on Saturday, March 29, at Ash & Olive. Don't miss this chance to fine-tune your pitch, strengthen your strategy, and swim with the best!
📢 Making Waves in the News!
Sharpen your skills and get pitch-perfect before the Center Street Pitch Competition with these game-changing updates…
Center Street Pitch Competition is hosted by Dominion Energy Innovation Center and Downtown Ashland Association to encourage entrepreneurship in our local community.