The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has opened the application process for the SFIA ‘Start-Up Challenge,’ to be held at the 2016 SFIA Industry Leaders Summit (ILS), in Denver, Colo., September 14-15, 2016.
From May 1 – May 30, 2016, up-and-coming companies can submit their pitch to become finalists in the 2016 SFIA Start-Up Challenge. Stadia Ventures, a “sports innovation hub for entrepreneurs, industry partners and investors,” will assist the SFIA in the vetting process for all applications.
“The SFIA Start-Up Challenge is generating a lot of interest within the sports entrepreneurial community due to the unprecedented access to senior decision makers at the leading brands in sports,” said Art Chou, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Stadia Ventures. “We expect this experience to deliver tangible business relationships for both the entrepreneurs and the industry leaders.”
Following careful consideration five finalists will be chosen and given 10 minutes each to pitch their ideas and introduce their company to industry executives, C-suite attendees and members of the SFIA Board of Directors at the 2016 SFIA ILS. A veteran roster of judges already committed to participate include:
Adam Peake, Executive Vice President category management, Under Armour
Chris Clawson, SFIA Chairman, President, Life Fitness
Bob Puccini, SFIA Immediate Past Chairman, President, Mizuno USA
Michael Savage, SFIA Secretary/Treasurer, CEO, Empower Fitness
Tony Armand, CEO, United Sports Brands
Jonathan Ram, Executive Vice President, New Balance
Mike Zlacket, President & CEO, Rawlings Sporting Goods
More will be announced in the coming weeks.
The five finalists will receive publicity in the lead-up to the 2016 ILS, special recognition during the annual ILS Awards Dinner, and real-time feedback from executives. The winner will leave Denver with a free year of SFIA membership, a spotlight in the ‘SFIA Insider Blog’, additional exposure through SFIA’s marketing channels, and a commemorative plaque.
“We are excited to highlight the latest innovations in our industry through this startup competition,” said SFIA President and CEO Tom Cove. “Entrepreneurism is alive in our industry and SFIA is looking to support small business in any way possible — and this competition is reflective of that,” he added.
Interested companies may apply for the ‘2016 SFIA Start-Up Challenge’ by clicking here.
