Hy-Vee to host event for small business owners, entrepreneurs in Kansas City
Hy-Vee is hosting an opportunity to support local small businesses through a networking and showcase opportunity in Kansas City in September. The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit provides small business owners learning opportunities and resources from Hy-Vee and other local business leaders to help grow their businesses. The summit, which is free and open to the public, will be held Thursday, Sept. 12, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
A spotlight of the summit is a live pitch competition that is open to minority- and women-owned businesses. Fifteen finalists will be selected to compete for cash prizes to use for their business. Hy-Vee will award up to $50,000 in cash investments. Those interested in participating in the pitch competition must apply by 11: 59 p.m. (CDT) on Aug. 11 at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com.
The pitch competition will feature celebrity judge, Paul Wahlberg, executive chef and co-owner of Wahlburgers and Alma Nove. Wahlberg is the fourth of nine children in the Wahlberg family, including his younger brothers Mark and Donnie, and has been instrumental in growing the family’s restaurant business. In addition to Alma Nove, an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant in Hingham, Mass., along with his brothers, he owns more than 50 Wahlburgers locations across North America and Europe.
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The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit—free and open to the public—offers programming and resources for current and aspiring small business owners. Anyone interested in attending may register in advance at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com. Community groups, organizations, area businesses and professionals supporting or networking with small businesses are encouraged to attend and enjoy the below Summit highlights:
Business Expo
Explore resources and networking opportunities tailored for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Summit’s Business Expo, featuring over a dozen organizations committed to supporting small business growth.
Breakout Sessions led by industry leaders, topics will include:
- Navigating access to capital
- Building strong networks and alliances
- Boosting your business marketing
- Overcoming regulatory hurdles
- One-on-One Mentoring Sessions
Attendees can meet one-on-one with local Hy-Vee leaders to gain insight into retail operations and showcase products directly to retail leaders.
Live Pitch Competition (must apply in advance to participate in the competition)
Local minority and women-owned businesses are invited to apply to showcase their products or services during a live pitch competition, which will be held during the summit. Hy-Vee will award up to $50,000 in total investment dollars. Selected applicants will present to a panel of judges who will select one-grand-prize winner to earn $30,000. Plus, one first-place winner will be selected from each pitch category to win $5,000 each. Additional cash investments may be awarded. Those interested in participating in the pitch competition must apply by 11: 59 p.m. (CDT) on Aug. 11 at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com.
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Hy-Vee is currently accepting submissions for the pitch competition in the following categories:
- Food and Beverage
- Technology and Innovation
- Health, Wellness and Beauty
Hy-Vee shared that it remains committed to inclusivity by expanding and enhancing product and service offerings that support various needs, lifestyles and backgrounds. The summit gives support to local small business owners and local minority- and women-owned businesses the opportunity to grow and prosper, while providing Hy-Vee customers with meaningful solutions to make their lives easier, healthier and happier.