ANN ARBOR – Skip Simms of Ann Arbor SPARK won the 2011 NEF Battle of the Elevator Pitch, which features local entrepreneurs and investors who “pitch” an imaginary business to demonstrate that the basics of business pitches apply even in the most unusual of business models.
Or maybe they pitch just to show that we can all have a great time talking “entrepreneurism.”
This year the pitch was to offer an escape from the impending “end of the world” that provided a return for the investors. Mike Korybalski pitched an escape plan to Fort Knox and Charles Fry sold seats for safety on retired nuclear subs. Keith Brophy lifted the dome of the Michigan State Building and powered by hot air and solar power, harvested Oberon from Mars making gazillions for the investors. Skip Simms won the night with his pitch, to created heaven in Ann Arbor, by offering a select group of Catholics and entrepreneurs safe haven before returning to the utopia of Ann Arbor.
The Simms deal offered the best return on investment for Judges Gary Baker, Dale Grogan, Jack Miner and Ray Waters. Simms took the traveling trophy back to SPARK headquarters, where it will reside until he defends his title next year.
Through its hands-on work with entrepreneurs, NEF has been planting the seeds for Michigan’s economic prosperity for over two decades. NEF serves Michigan entrepreneurs by linking them with management expertise, venture partners, business services, capital, and other critical resources. NEF also provides free coaching teams who assist entrepreneurs with investor presentations and business planning in preparation for fundraising meetings.
For more information, click on NewEnterpriseForum.Org
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