Event: Aug 7, 2014, 9.30a - 11.30a
THIS IS HOW YOU ROAD TRIP. AND PITCH. ENTREPRENEURS. RIDING. MOTORCYCLES.
Vermont | You have an itch. Some call it a dream. You know it can work. If. Only.
Now part of the dream comes true in Vermont, in August, when the riding is easy. Motorcycle riding that is. For more than 350 miles of scenic views and back roads through 11 of Vermont’s 13 counties, the founding riders of ‘Road Pitch’ will ride everything from Harley’s to vintage motorcycles to BMWs.
“We know that Vermont is rich in unique entrepreneurs and we want to help them,” said Cairn Cross, founder of ‘Road Pitch’ a project of FreshTracks Capital. “This is a great way for entrepreneurs to establish their brand, idea, credentials, and reputation in Vermont.”
Over four days (August 4, 5, 6 and 7), in eight small towns around Vermont, 25 smart seasoned Vermont entrepreneurs, investors and business advisors will ride Vermont and listen to selected ‘pitches’. Those who pitch to this group will walk away having received something valuable (a connection, an introduction, possible financing, strategic advice, etc.).
Creative pitch venues include a mid-1860s barn in Lowell (VT) and the Bellows Falls train station, and the Stone Grill Restaurant in Morrisville. Creative Economy.
“The goal is to make Road Pitch an annual event and attract business riders from around the state and the country and bring capital, advice and help into Vermont,” Cross said.
Bringing Vermont flair, iconic entrepreneurs Don Mayer (Small Dog Electronics), Alan Newman (Magic Hat), and David Blittersdorf (All Earth Renewables) will ride around the state to help other entrepreneurs. Because they know.
Can do. Get it done. Young entrepreneurs and investors riding include Andrew Stickney (VCET), Shawn Straffin (Promot.it), and Marguerite Dibble Birnam Woods Game). Seasoned executives and academics riding include Mike Smith, Bob Bloch, Dave Schmidt, John Mandeville and Marc Bujold. Better than a webinar. They’re coming to a small town near you. Be there.
Now you know what, who, when and where. And you’re checking the ‘Want’ box over and over. Go here for details: http://freshtracksontheroad.weebly.com and contact ccross@freshtrackscap.com for more information on how to register to pitch or participate. In the Northeast Kingdom, contact Patricia Sears at Northeast Kingdom Tamarack, Inc if you have questions at 802-258-0873/trish@kingdomcommons.com. The Barn Pitch event will be in Lowell in the barn at Kingdom Commons on VT Route 100, on August 7th from 9.30a until 11.30a.
'There is a certain ethos to Vermont that those of us who live here understand. You feel it when you cross the border on your way home, or fly into Burlington or disembark from Amtrak in Rutland or Brattleboro. It's truly a special place and it is somehow simply not like anyplace else. So as we put Road Pitch together we have been keeping that in mind. Steve Mason and Trish Sears (see founding rider page) figured this out immediately. This event is not going to involve pitches in sterile generic conference rooms. No way. Steve and Trish offered up their 1865 barn which over the years has hosted cows, horses, weddings, birthday parties, family reunions, and campaign rallies. There is even room for us to pull the bikes inside if it is raining. So on the morning of August 7th the last day of our ride, we are proud to announce we will swing by Steve and Trish's barn in Lowell, Vermont to listen to pitches. If you live near Lowell or want to pitch in the barn at that stop, contact Steve (steve@kingdomcommons.com) and sign up. I get a kick out of thinking of the original 1800s farmers pitching hay in the barn. On August 7th you could pitch your business concept where there once was pitched hay.'
FreshTracks Capital is a Vermont-based venture capital firm focused on investing in and building innovative, high-growth companies in the Northeast. FreshTracks has been operating for 14 years and recently started its third fund that has invested in six Vermont companies during the past nine months. In total FreshTracks has invested in 30 companies during its 14-year history including EatingWell Media Group, Vermont Teddy Bear, SunCommon, and NEHP.
Contact: Patricia M Sears
NEKTI Consulting (Northeast Kingdom Tamarack, Inc)
Phone (802) 258-0873
52 Finnegan Road, Lowell VT 05847
trish@kingdomcommons.com