Hy-Vee, Inc. will be hosting a new Quad Cities summit aimed at advancing local minority- and women-owned companies in September. The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit will be Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the University Club in downtown Moline.
The summit will feature an expo offering resources for small businesses, learning opportunities through presentations and panel discussions, a chance to be inspired by other brands and more.
Local community groups and organizations, area businesses and other professionals interested in supporting or networking with small-business owners also are invited to attend at no cost.
In addition, the Hy-Vee event will include a pitch competition that will give Quad Cities minority and women-owned businesses the chance to showcase their products or services. Selected applicants will present to a panel of judges for the chance to win up to $30,000 as an investment for future endeavors.
Hy-Vee currently is accepting submissions for local products or services for the pitch competition at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com in the following categories of economically viable and/or previously tested products or services:
- Food and beverage.
- Product innovation and technology.
- Health, wellness and beauty.
There is no cost to apply. The deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22.
A panel of judges will select one grand-prize winner to earn $30,000. Plus, one first-place winner will be selected from each pitch category (three total) earning $5,000 each.
Additional cash investments may be awarded and select finalists may be invited to participate in further discussions regarding their product or service following the summit.
