Eight aspiring local entrepreneurs have been chosen as finalists in Savannah SCORE’s “BizPitch Savannah”, a kinder, gentler version of TV’s “Shark Tank” entrepreneurial competition. On Friday, September 7, the finalists will pitch their business ideas to a panel of five judges. Three winners will be selected and will receive $2500 in cash and a package of professional business services worth an estimated $7,500 to help launch their new businesses.

The 8 finalists were selected from a large group of applicants by SCORE’s Application Review Committee based on the creativity and innovativeness of the idea, the quality and thoroughness of the proposal, and the financial viability of the proposed business. The finalists and their proposed businesses are, in alphabetical order:

Mark Bruemmer – “XSCapacity.net” – Bringing businesses with underutilized resources together with potential buyers or renters via the Internet

Carrie Christian and Kristie Duncan – “Scribble Subscription Box” – Creative art play for children through innovative craft-projects-in-a-box offered by monthly subscription

Jennifer Farago – “Studio 53” – Community Sewing Center offering people at all levels of sewing skill and experience access to space, equipment, supplies, training and camaraderie

Trevor Hess – “Mattress Recycling Center” – Environmentally responsible alternative to traditional dumping of used mattresses into landfills

Jason King – “Heel!” – Veterinary Network App designed to foster cooperation and information sharing between veterinarians and pet owners to promote quality pet care and medication compliance.

Michelle-Anne Mallebranche – “Brez-Soleil” Beach Sunshades – Customizable, artistic, easily portable beach sunshades supported by sturdy bamboo posts.

Leandro Perversi – “Mate’ Pods” – K-Cup-style Yerba Mate Capsules for use in standard coffee machines or specially designed infusion units

Ian Reddick – “Mercury Modular Guitars” – Beautiful professional grade electric guitars that quickly disassemble to fit in carry-on luggage and/or easily convert to different guitar types and sound styles

The event is on Friday, Sept. 7, from 4-6:30 p.m. at The Creative Coast, 2222 Bull St. The public is invited. Admission is free.

“BizPitch Savannah” is presented by the Savannah Chapter of SCORE, the nation’s largest provider of free business mentoring services and educational programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.Sponsorships and donations for the event include those from:

SPONSORS:

City of Savannah Office of Business Opportunity

MassMutual

Savannah Economic Development Authority

Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Assistance Corporation

Wells Fargo – The Private Bank

Yates-Astro

IN-KIND SPONSORS:

Ad Specialty Services

ArcMedia Group

ATDC

Bouhan Falligant

Carriage Trade Public Relations Inc.

Enmarket

Habersham Beverage

HunterMaclean

Kenkel Design

Podcast On The Go, LLC

Publix

Red Eye Film Productions

Salesdialers.com

Sand Dollar Accounting Services

Savannah Morning News / GateHouse Media

University of Georgia Small Business Development Center

The Creative Coast

The Detail Department