The NSW government wants regional startups to pitch for them, with $20,000 up for grabs

Michael Nixon was 13 when he won the inaugural Jobs for NSW Regional Pitchfest. Photo: Jobs for NSW

The country’s largest pitch competition for regional startups – the 2019 Jobs for NSW Regional Pitchfest – is on again and looking for founders to take part.

The pitch events take place next month in nine regional locations: Armidale, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Byron Bay, Dubbo, Lightning Ridge, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong and Young.

NSW Minister for Jobs Stuart Ayres said startups will pitch to a live audience and expert panel to win a share of $20,000.

“You don’t need an MBA to enter – just a product and the ability to sell it. The winner of the inaugural Regional Pitchfest in 2016 was 13-year-old high school student Michael Nixon who founded educational company Edukits,” he said.

“Michael has since grown Edukits into a successful company and The Amazing Annoyatron, an educational kit which teaches kids coding skills, is being sold in 10 countries around the world.

Regional Pitchfest founder Di Somerville said the event is a fantastic chance to help local startup talent on their path to success.

“The winner of each local event will secure an all-expenses paid trip to the Regional Bootcamp at the Sydney Startup Hub in August where five finalists will be selected to compete at a the NSW final in Wagga Wagga in September,” Ms Somerville said.

The winner will receive $7,500 in cash, plus a funded and curated trip overseas.

Apply for a local pitch event here. Applications open from 28 May to 9 June.