Published on 24/01/2023
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Pitch up competition people
  • Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up is a collaboration, co-delivered by the Centre for Growth at Aston University 
  • The event, now in its eighth year, has put more than 140 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors since its inception
  • The application deadline is 27 January 2023.


Applications are still open for the West Midlands premier business pitching competition.  

Ambitious business leaders who want to improve their ability to win investment while simultaneously boosting their business profile have until Friday 27 January to submit their applications. 
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Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up is a collaboration, co-delivered by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, University of Birmingham Enterprise, and Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick Science Park Ltd. 

The main sponsor, British Business Bank, will be supporting with marketing and facilitating at the workshops, as well as participating at the finals during Venturefest on 1March 2023. 

Now in its eighth year, participating businesses have the chance to pitch head-to-head to a variety of investors to win a cash prize of £3000 and be awarded the ultimate accolade of Pitch Up Champion.

The event has put more than 140 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors and helped bring in excess of £40,000,000 of investment to the region's small businesses to date.

Tracy Sherratt, senior manager of The British Business Bank’s UK Network – West Midlands, said:

“I’m really pleased that we are sponsoring this exciting event. The British Business Bank’s remit is to support small businesses to access the finance they need to prosper and grow. 

“This innovative competition will no doubt develop the skills of the businesspeople who take part, as well as giving them the chance to work with a number of investors. It’s great to have this opportunity for members of the business community in the West Midlands.”

Ibrahim Abbas, programme lead and business engagement manager at Aston Centre for Growth, said: “It’s rewarding to work with so many diverse businesses from a variety of sectors as they join to pitch some of the most innovative tech, products and services. 

“What is even more rewarding is when we hear back from previous participants. Seeing how much they have grown since taking part in the programme is inspirational. 

“It is great to have the support and sponsorship from British Business Bank and working closely with our partners and stakeholders. We are on the final push for applications.”  

Paula Whitehouse, director of Aston Centre for Growth, said: “We are proud to continue creating investment opportunities for high growth companies in the West Midlands and look forward to welcoming our next cohort of innovative young businesses to Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up 2023.”
 
The application deadline is 27 January 2023.  

Find out more about Pitch Up, by contacting centreforgrowth@aston.ac.uk, visiting Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up  or apply here.

Notes to editors

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

Aston University is ranked 22nd in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk

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