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Looking for seed money to start your business? Need a financial bump to take your idea to the next level? Main Library's first-ever pitch competition includes cash prizes and a networking reception.
Independent judges will evaluate a selected group of local entrepreneurs as they compete for prize money to launch or grow their businesses.
Grand prize: $3,000
Second prize: $1,500
Third prize: $500 TechZone stipend
Hosted by Vanessa Michelle.
Sponsored by Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
All applicants for the StartUp Akron Pitch Competition must submit an application by 6 pm, Sunday, April 16, 2023. The application form is available on the Library's website.
All pitch applications will be reviewed by the StartUp Akron Pitch Competition Committee. Applicants selected to compete in the Pitch Competition will be notified by the Committee by May 10 and invited to Pitch on May 17, 2023. If selected, you must be available to compete on stage with a 3-minute pitch about your business on May 17, 2023. Please see the Rules section for more information.
Other StartUp Akron programs at Main Library include a StartUp Akron: Business Legal Clinic on Wednesday, April 6, and StartUp Akron: Bring Your Business to Life on Saturday, April 15.
Main Library, located in the heart of downtown Akron, combines compelling public space with meaningful and relevant public library services for all members of our community. Since opening in 2004, the downtown library welcomes more than one million visitors each year.
Subject divisions include: Business, Government & Science, Culture & AV, Magazines & Newspapers, Special Collections (local history & genealogy), TechZone@Main, Teen, and a 12,000 square feet Children's Library.
Special services available at Main Library include: a Patent & Trademark Resource Center; U.S. Passport and Notary services; a Microbusiness Center; a Maker Space; a resource lab for early childhood educators; and regularly scheduled computer training classes. Also available at Main Library are more than 125 public access computers, color photocopiers/printers, laminating, scanning, faxing, and free Wi-Fi.
Specialized spaces include a 425-seat auditorium, public meeting rooms, and a used bookstore. An interior glass block walkway leads to a 600-space parking garage owned by the City of Akron. An outdoor amphitheater and landscaped park complete the complex.
60 South High Street
Akron, Ohio 44326
330.643.9000
Our Mission: The Akron-Summit County Public Library provides resources for learning and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community life.
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