Entrepreneurs Shine at 2025 PITCHFEST in Downtown Lima
LIMA, Ohio (May 21, 2025) - The Walter C. Potts Entrepreneur Center, in collaboration with the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College and the Lima Area Chamber Foundation, hosted the 2025 PITCHFEST on May 13 at the Borra Center in downtown Lima.
This annual competition celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in the eight-county region, offering funding opportunities for both new and growing businesses. Sponsored by First National Bank, State Bank, The Union Bank Company, Nutrien, First Financial Bank, Huntington Bank, and Superior Credit Union, the event awarded a total of $10,500 in prizes.
PITCHFEST featured two competitive categories:
Start-Up – For entrepreneurs launching new ventures
Emerging – For businesses operating for 1–3 years
Winners in the Emerging Business category:
Winners in the Start-Up category:
All award recipients must contact Jessie Pope at 419-222-6045 or potts@limachamber.com to schedule an appointment to receive their funds. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days
"The Small Business Development Center is proud to collaborate with community partners to support the growth of small and minority-owned businesses,” said Nicole Scott, Director of the SBDC at Rhodes State College. “Events like PITCHFEST create essential opportunities for entrepreneurs to gain visibility, funding, and the support needed to succeed.”
For more information about PITCHFEST or small business resources, contact the Potts Entrepreneur Center at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce at 419-222-6045 or visit www.limachamber.com.
