Are you launching (or have you recently launched) your own pet business or pet product? If so, consider entering these two high dollar competitions backed by major pet industry entities:
The Pet Care Innovation Prize offered by Nestle Purina is back for 2017 after a successful debut last year. The PCIP offers up to $20,000 in cash and support to one grand prize winner, plus $10,000 in funding for four additional finalists in the competition. The grand prize winner will also have the opportunity to exhibit at the 2018 Global Pet Expo. The competition is seeking “unique, novel, or differentiated products and services that solve meaningful pet care needs and improves the lives of pets.” They are particularly interested in items like treats, litter, specialty nutrition products, and businesses that improve the health and welfare of pets. Applications close August 4, 2017.
Even if you aren’t ready to enter the Purina PCIP, you can definitely check out their free webinar series on pet entrepreneurship. Webinars are scheduled at noon EST for June 13 (Reality in the Pet Care Industry and What Entrepreneurs Can Do About It), June 21 (Entrepreneurship: Product/Market Fit in the Pet Care Industry), June 26 (From Bootstrap to Scale: The Strategy of Pet Care Company Growth), and July 13 (Pet Food & Treat Startups: Scaling Production Creatively). Be sure to sign up!
Another opportunity for pet entrepreneurs is Pet Project 2017, a new pet pitch competition. Finalists will compete in Las Vegas for a $25,000 cash prize, getting feedback from a judging panel of industry experts with Mars Petcare, Petco, Pet Coach, Whistle, and Banfield Pet Hospital. The competition is seeking innovative new products and businesses that are early stage startups (i.e. incorporated within the past two years). Entries are now open on the website and finalists will be notified by July 10, 2017. The event will be held on July 25, 2017.
Don’t miss out—one of these could be your big break! If you’re not ready this year keep these events in mind for 2018, as they will likely return.
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