JACKSON, Wyo. — Silicon Couloir’s 9th Annual Pitch Day will be held virtually on Wednesday, September 30 from 5-6:45 p.m MST and is free to attend. Pitch Day is a chance to learn about the entrepreneurial community’s latest up-and-coming companies in the Wydaho region.

As in past years, entrepreneurs are receiving focused coaching on their pitches and business models leading up to Pitch Day. This year, they will present in-person to an experienced panel of judges, which will be live-streamed to a large virtual audience.

Silicon Couloir is also adding a video component to the program to give viewers a “behind the scenes” look at the efforts that go into Pitch Day with the coaching process and pitch evolution.

“We are looking forward to a fresh perspective this year. The virtual format will allow us to reach a wider audience and do some creative things while still giving the finalists the experience of pitching to an expert panel in person”, says Executive Director Gary Trauner.

The applicant pool was robust again this year, with 11 passionate entrepreneurs vying for five spaces. After thorough vetting from the Selection Committee, Silicon Couloir is proud to announce a diverse and compelling group of finalists.

This year’s Pitch Day presenters are:

• Nikki Beck of Ndiyo
• Monica Grohne of Marea
• Caitlin Iseler of Happyly
• David Lymburn of Go Green Home Supply
• Heather Smith of Juliet

Silicon Couloir is pleased to announce that each prize awarded during Pitch Day has increased from previous years’ prizes, and they will award the most money in the event’s nine-year history.

Panelist Choice Award: $10,000

This award is given to the company that our experienced entrepreneur judges determine has (1) the most compelling business idea, (2) the best chance for business success, (3) the highest likelihood of getting funded and (4) the strongest presentation.

Audience Choice Award: $5,000 + one-year free use at The Cowork Space in Jackson

This award is given to the company who “wows” the audience with their presentation and company. Voting instructions will be given during the live-stream.

Bob Arndt Community Caretaker Award: $2,500 + six months free use at The Cowork Space in Jackson + Invitation to join Silicon Couloir’s TEAMS Mentoring Program

In its third year, the Bob Arndt Community Caretaker Award is presented to that entrepreneur or venture whose person/team and company best embody the core values and mission of Silicon Couloir, which is to align entrepreneurship with community vision to promote a diverse economy and healthy environment for current and future generations.

Just as Bob lived his life guided by the value of community caretaking, this company will exemplify growing a culture of stewardship, leadership, participation, collaboration and citizenship that inspires and enriches this tight-knit, welcoming mountain town.

The winner will have the opportunity to participate in TEAMS, Silicon Couloir’s highly successful mentoring program.

Silicon Couloir has a highly experienced and esteemed group of panelists to evaluate the pitches and award prizes. They are:

• Nada Jain, Founder and Managing Director at RIDEfor8 Ventures, LLC
• Karen Kemmerer, former Vice President at AT&T and Lucent Technologies
• Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS Shoes
• Tom Quantrille, Former President of Capital Group Asia Pacific Region
• Jeff Rice, Owner of Jackson Whole Grocer and Co-Founder of OneWest.net

For complete details and to register for the event, visit https://www.siliconcouloir.com/pitch-day.

Pitch Day is made possible by support from The Wyoming Business Council, Pirate Ship and First Republic Bank.

About Silicon Couloir:

Silicon Couloir is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to align entrepreneurship with community vision to promote a diverse economy and a healthy environment for current and future generations.