Sacramento, California – The deadline for applications for a startup competition that will give $10,000 to one new business owner is February 6. The Sacramento Kings’ eleventh annual Capitalize: Next Gen contest event offers this unique opportunity. Capitalize: Next Gen contest contest is a program that aims to boost local innovation and provide young entrepreneurs a chance to share their ideas on a big platform.
Capitalize: Next Gen is the NBA’s first crowdsourcing startup competition. It gives startups money, exposure, and hands-on help. The City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, along with Pacific Office Automation and Fidium Fiber, are working together to put forward the concept. The partners want to help innovative companies that show ingenuity and success in the Sacramento area.
This year’s edition is especially interested in early-stage innovators who are between the ages of 18 and 30. Organizers want applicants who are actively working on their businesses through a variety of paths, such as college programs, job training, apprenticeships, community-based learning, or autonomous growth. People who want to participate must live within 75 miles of the Golden 1 Center. They can apply on their own or be recommended by a school.
After the deadline for applications on February 6 at 11:59 p.m., the chosen entrepreneurs will go through coaching and mentorship sessions to get ready for Pitch Day. A group of CEOs, investors, and industry leaders will pick four finalists during that event.
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The finalists will make videos about their startups, which people will be able to vote on starting around March 16. Voting will stay available until halftime of the game between the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans on April 3. The winning startup will be revealed live and given $10,000 to help the company grow.
Those interested in applying and learning more, should visit Kings.com/Capitalize.