InnovateHER 2016 Competition Kicks Off Nov. 12

Many of the participants who are competing in the InnovateHER Challenge have created products and services that fulfill a need, such as cancer survivor Colleen d’Avignon, who gave a one-minute pitch for her product “Shebangz.” The product is a do-it-yourself hair kit for women undergoing cancer treatment and/or suffering hair loss. Maui Economic Development Board photo.

Maui Economic Development Board’s Bootcamp for the US Small Business Administration 2016 InnovateHER: Innovating for Business Challenge was held on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Those who attended this optional session received helpful tips and an opportunity to rehearse their one-minute pitches for the official competition which kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 12, with the final pitches held the following Thursday, Nov. 19.

Both events will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the MEDB Malcolm Center in Kīhei.

For those who missed the Bootcamp, there’s still time to sign up. There is no cost to participate.

To register, visit www.medb.org/innovateher. For more information, contact Gerry Smith at (808) 270-6803 or via email.

Download a complete list of the challenge rules.

InnovateHer is a national prize competition to unearth innovative products and services that impacts the lives of women and families. MEDB will award the Maui winner $500 cash, and cash prizes totaling $70,000 (first, second and third place) are up for grabs during the SBA’s national business competition.

“MEDB is once again offering another fabulous event that is creating opportunities for the people on Maui to help others and to provide funding for very innovative products and services,” said Ned Davis, chair of MEDB’s board of directors. “Through this competition, MEDB hopes to impact and empower the lives of women and families.”

Residents who have a product, service or technology that has a measurable impact on the lives of women and families, has the potential for commercialization, and fills a need in the marketplace are encouraged to participate in this pitch competition.

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SBA InnovateHER Competition Applications Due Soon
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