guidelines

General Eligibility

Requirements for all contestants:

Each contestant (“Contestant”) must be an individual or team comprised of individuals, who: 1) as of March 7, 2012 is at least 18 years old; 2) has owned and been actively engaged in the formation and operation of the business identified in his/her Entry Form (“Business Name”) during its existence up to and including March 15, 2012; and 3) the business must have a product/service/company created for the outdoor, recreation or hospitality industry, as determined by the Chairlift Pitch Contest.  And, as of March 7, 2012, (A) holds a majority ownership interest in the company; or (B) holds an ownership interest that is no less than any other holder of an ownership interest in Contestant’s Business. Franchisees entities are not eligible.

Chairlift Pitch Presentation Requirements

Only one (1) entry per Business is permitted.

The Contestant commits to locating/growing their business in Sandpoint for a minimum period of six (6) months.

The subject of the pitch must be the original work product of the Contestant. Contestants whose submissions and/or presentations are deemed to represent the intellectual property of others will be immediately disqualified, and any awards must be returned.

The pitch should be given by one (1) person from each company. No team pitching. All pitches may be filmed and/or photographed. The images and/or footage are property of the Chairlift Pitch Contest. This footage may be used for promotional purposes.

Contestants must give the presentation in person and on March 15, 2012 during a scheduled ride, with judges, up a designated chairlift at Schweitzer Mountain.  It is recommended that Contestants where skis or snowboard and dress in appropriate mountain resort apparel.  There will likely be 2-3 judges and a definitive schedule of the morning’s events will be provided in advance.

Contestants may use an unlimited number of charts or presentation materials of no larger than 22” by 28” in size and, up to two examples of their product, if appropriate.

Contestants are expected to behave respectfully toward all other contestants, sponsors, judges, volunteers, and other participants and stakeholders of the Chairlift Pitch Contest.

The Chairlift Pitch Contest reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone.

Judging Criteria

Contest judges will consider the following categories in evaluating the presentations. Contest judges will give equal weight to the business concept; the actual pitch presentation and, the prospective positive impact to Sandpoint. Categories:

Presentation:
1) Body language and charisma of the presenting Contestant; and, 2) Clarity of the presentation.

Market Opportunity:
1) Clear identification of a problem in the market or an opportunity; 2) Scalability of the concept; and, 3) Identification of the target customer.

General Operations:
1) Business mode;  2) Accomplishments / milestones to date; 3) Capital requirements; 4) Clear outline of “time to market” and growth trajectory; 5) Experience of management team; 6) Value to the target customer or consumer; 7) Differentiation from existing competitors; and, 8) Call to action.

Prizes and Awards

There shall be one grand prize awarded for the winner.

The prize shall include a payment of $1000 to the business entity, payable $500 within ten (10) business days of March 15, 2012 and the remaining $500 on/about May 1, 2012, upon evidence of the business location/growth in Sandpoint.

The prize shall also include the use of an office space in the City of Sandpoint’s business suites located at the Panhandle State Bank headquarters (Sandpoint Center) in downtown Sandpoint.  The winning Contestant may be required to sign a legal lease for the space; however, there shall be no base rent or extra charges required.  The winning Contestant shall be subject, under the office lease, to the rules and regulations of the office space and environment.  The lease term is targeted to begin on/about April 1, 2012 for a period of six (6) months.

The prize shall also include a package of other prizes, including skiing passes and other complimentary or discounted local benefits.  Those shall be provided to the winning Contestant on/about April 1, 2012.  All items shall be provided at the sole discretion of the Chairlift Pitch Contest.

The prize shall also include one or more organized meeting sessions, in which the Chairlift Pitch Contest shall invite local business leaders, prospective investors and other potential stakeholders to a “meet-and-greet” with the winning Contestant.  The purpose is for networking and presentation by the winning Contestant.  The event will be mutually-scheduled and organized within four (4) months of March 15, 2012.

The prize shall also include the identification of a business “mentor” by the Chairlift Pitch Contest that shall be made available to assist the winning Contestant with business planning and strategy.  The winning Contestant is under no obligation to use the volunteer services of the mentor and, the availability of time and assistance shall remain solely with the designated mentor.

All decisions made by the Chairlift Contest and Contest Judges are final.

For further information, contact: Mark Rivers at mrivers@brixusa.com or 208.368.0000