• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Nevada start-ups invited to apply to the Governor’s Conference Business Pitch Competition

Nevada based start-up companies looking for an opportunity to showcase their unique products or services while competing for cash and prizes should look no further. The Governor’s Conference on Business 2017 is hosting a business pitch competition as part of the annual business resource and networking conference.

A two minute pitch in front of a panel of judges will net two entrepreneurs cash and prizes totaling $30,600. In addition, an audience vote will determine the winner of the People’s Choice Award and $1,000.

The competition, sponsored by AT&T, The Abbi Agency, Microsoft and Vast: Powered by the CFO Group, is open to Nevada-based businesses with an active state business license, in operation two years or less and earning less than $250,000 in annual gross revenue. The competition is open to businesses located throughout the State, but applicants selected as finalists must be able to attend the conference in Sparks on August 17 to make a live pitch to a panel of judges.

Prizes:
First place- $5,000 cash; computer hardware, software and technical support and training from Microsoft valued at $7,500; budgeting and cash flow management advising and training from VAST valued at $4,800; and customized social media and public relations services from The Abbi Agency valued at $3,500.

Second place- $2,500 cash; computer hardware, software and technical support and training from Microsoft valued at $2,500; budgeting and cash flow management advising and training from VAST valued at $3,300; and customized social media and public relations services from The Abbi Agency valued at $1,500.
People’s Choice- $1,000 cash

Key dates and details:
• To apply, a business must submit a $40 application fee and a completed application packet to the Department of Business and Industry by 8 a.m. June 26. The application fee also provides admission for one to the conference and luncheon.
• Startups with a direct or indirect operational relationship to an existing large scale corporation, investment fund or government agency are not eligible to apply.
• Competition judges will independently review and score all eligible applications to select 10 finalists.
• Up to 10 finalists will make a two minute in-person pitch in front of a judge’s panel at the Governor’s Conference on Business 2017 on August 17, 2017 at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks.
• First, Second and People’s Choice awards and prizes will be announced and presented to the winners during the conference luncheon program.

Additional information about business pitch competition eligibility, application, rules and guidelines can be found at http://business.nv.gov/GCB/Home or by calling Chris Weiss at (702) 486-5320.

About the Governor’s Conference on Business 2017
The 6th annual Governor’s Conference on Business, hosted by the State of Nevada Department of Business and Industry, is a comprehensive business resource and networking event designed for businesses looking to grow, and entrepreneurs seeking to launch a new venture. The event is taking place Thursday, August 17 at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks.

Conference participants will have access to 90+ business service providers, funders, development authorities, government entities and B2B companies at the Business Resource Expo. Networking opportunities are available throughout the morning. Exhibitor registration for companies or organizations that provide direct service to business clients is open.

For the third year, the conference will host a Business Pitch Competition. The winning companies will be awarded a portion of the cash and in-kind services prize packages totaling $31,600 and recognition at the conference luncheon.

The conference will conclude with a luncheon featuring a special guest speaker Mridul Gautam, PhD, University of Nevada Reno Vice President for Research and Innovation and a keynote address by Governor Brian Sandoval.

Attendee tickets are $40 in advance. Exhibitor registration is $275 for nonprofit and $375 for B2B. To learn more or to register, visit http://business.nv.gov/GCB/Home.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

Western Nevada College hosted a ceremony to celebrate students succeeding in training to reestablish themselves in the workforce on Thursday.

Perfection in a fur coat is the best way to describe Cher, our cat of the week. Just 7 months old, she is a pretty little short-haired girl with a sweet and social personality.

Carson High School's Senior in the Spotlight this week is Parker Schmid, a remarkable young man whose sparkle radiates in every aspect of his life. From academics to extracurriculars, Parker's journey embodies excellence and compassion, traits that set him apart from his peers.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: Courtesy of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office: On May 3, 2024 at approximately 1430 hours, Lyon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded along with Central Lyon County, Carson City and Storey County Fire personnel to the area of 34 Newman Ln. for a report of motorhome on fire. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the fire had spread and multiple other abandoned vehicles caught fire as well. No one was hurt or injured during the incident. The incident is currently under investigation, which is being conducted by the Nevada State Fire Marshall’s Division.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Firefighters from Storey are also now responding.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: Multiple vehicles on the property are engulfed in flame.

***

Around 2:15 p.m. a fire was reported at 34 Newman Lane in Mound House.

Firefighters from Carson City and Lyon County are enroute to the scene.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: According to Sheriff Ken Furlong, a student reported they saw a weapon. The incident was investigated and there was no weapon found. The lockdown has now been lifted and students are leaving the school.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Update 05-03-24 at 1:15 p.m.
One student has reported an alleged weapon sighting. It has not been corroborated, but school officials and the sheriff’s office are investigating out an abundance of caution.

***

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: The following update was provided by the district:

Carson High School was put on lockdown this afternoon around 12:15 p.m. No person was injured. There is an active situation being investigated in cooperation with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. We will provide more information as it becomes known. The school is secure. Do not go to the school. No entrances will be permitted at time. The district will provide updates every 30 minutes. Expect the next update at 1:15 p.m.

***

Carson High School is currently on a lockdown as of 12:40 p.m. Friday, but there has been no incident reported according to Sheriff Ken Furlong.

Two School Resource Officers are on scene investigating why the alarm went off.

The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners heard a presentation from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) on the current status of the Highway 50 Preservation Project in Dayton.

Kids ages 8-14: Join Skiing is Believing at Western Nevada college for our multidiscplinary sport & fitness camp! Every day of every week, Skiing is Believing staff will help provide a variety of sports for kids to develop their physical skills and promote emotional development through exercise and community service.

After months of thorough community engagement and meticulous deliberation, Douglas County has announced the completion of its new Strategic Plan. This document, which will guide the County's decisions and resource allocation for the next five years, is the result of extensive input from both internal and external stakeholders.

The unpredictability of spring this first weekend of May continues with the threat of snow showers in the Sierra on Saturday, along with gusty winds and rain down to the valley floors for Carson City and surrounding areas. The storm system should moved out by Sunday morning.

Carson High School Culinary Arts and Early Childhood Education students competed at the three-day state conference last month for Nevada Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. This was the first time the school’s programs participated in the conference. A total of 25 students competed in eight events.

Family fun, lively bands and historical characters return to Dangberg Historic Park in Minden beginning in May. Favorite presenters, bands and Chautauquans will be joined by new ones as well.

Carson City’s former Board of Supervisor and business owner Stan Jones was posthumously awarded Thursday the Historic Preservation Award for his long time work for downtown Carson City.

Each year, a Historic Preservation Award is awarded by the Historic Resources Commission to Carson City residents or organizations who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to historic preservation.

The Nevada Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is today, Thursday, May 2 at the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City. The memorial brings hundreds to the capitol grounds. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrested three for their alleged involvement in business thefts last month on Topsy Lane south of Carson City.

The national issue of suicide — particularly among veterans — touched many people who attended the Walk for Hope on Wednesday morning at Western Nevada College in Carson City.

The new renovations at the Carson City Senior Center opened the opportunity to host art shows to extend enrichment to the senior community. Carson City Senior Center presents “Geographical Divides: Finding Common Ground,” featuring 16 artists who were asked to explore the geographical and cultural differences in Nevada, if such differences truly exist.

Meet Nash, Nevada Humane Society, Carson City branch Pet of the Week Nash. He's a striking 2-year-old German Shepherd who entered our shelter a couple of weeks ago due to his previous owner's moving. With Nash's handsome appearance and endearing personality, this young man captures the hearts of all who meet him.

Time to dust off those ten-speeds Carson City, because May is Bike Month in the capital city!

Carson City’s Muscle Powered hosts bike month each year in addition to their year-round volunteerism.

More than 48 Carson High School Future Business Leaders of America students attended the state conference in Sparks, Nev. this past week. In total, 38 of those students earned 74 “Top-10” placements in 30 separate events. Additionally, three CHS FBLA students took state with first-place finishes and 15 of them qualified for the National Business Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla. this coming June.

Carson Animal Services Initiative (CASI) would like to thank everyone who attended or contributed to our annual Bark Whine & Dine, held on April 27. What a wonderful event it was!

The inaugural Carson City Cinco de Mayo 2024 festival this Friday through Sunday will be a 3-day celebration of Mexican culture for all the Northern Nevada region to enjoy.

In recognition of Historic Preservation and Archeological Awareness Month, the City’s Historic Resources Commission has organized the 2024 Scavenger Hunt.

We’re back, bigger and better than ever! Please welcome the second annual Mark Twain Days, May 10-12. For a listing of events take a gander at the website here.

You will find something of interest or my name’s not Mark Twain, or used to be anyways. And this year Virginia City is joining in on the fun along with Carson City. Wow!

Marilyn "Mert" Paoli Lewis retired on April 30 after 42 years as a State Farm Agent. She started her career as a Scratch Agency in 1982, meaning she had no customers initially.

Food Bank of Northern Nevada made a stop to the Carson City Senior Center on Wednesday morning, with another stop at the Dayton Senior Center from 11 to noon.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has announced the implementation of a new appointment system, WaitWell, in all metropolitan and rural offices throughout the state.

Meet up with others from the community to hear and share stories and experiences

CONNECTIONS social gatherings bring locals together weekly for story sharing, conversation and inspiration.

Join us every Saturday for Café CONNECTIONS from 10 to 11:30 am OR from noon to 1:30 p.m. at La Capital Cafe, 1795 E College Pkwy, Carson City.

Earlier this month, 11 students from Carson High School and six Carson Middle School and Eagle Valley Middle School students participated in the Annual American Choral Directors Association Nevada All State Choir event at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

The Carson City Farmers Market returns to the capital city Saturday, June 8 at its new home in Mills Park. Each year, the market continues to grow, and this year is no exception with 11 new vendors added to the roster.

Do you live in the Carson City or the surrounding area? Do you have a loved one that has Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? If yes, let us support you through your challenging and new situation! We are here to help you!