What’s your big idea? The Vernal Innovation Hub’s 3rd Annual Rise and Thrive Business Speed-Pitch Competition is the place to give that big idea a shot but the application deadline is nearly here. The event announcement explains that “the Rise and Thrive Business Speed Pitch Competition focuses on the ability to deliver a pitch that attempts to persuade the judges of a new product or service. Participants will be given six minutes to present their idea, marketing strategy, and plans for scalability. Pitches are assessed on their realistic development of a product or service, research, customers, and traction.” This year there are three divisions with the top three in each division receiving prizes. The Start-Up Division is for start-up companies in the early stage of development or fresh entrepreneurial ideas. It has a grand prize of $12,000 dollars, among other perks. The Student Division is for registered students in Uintah County and has a grand prize of $5,000 dollars. New this year, the Culinary Division is for pitching food based business concepts with a grand prize of $7,500 dollars. This division is not a food tasting competition but rather is focused on the business plans. Visit www.VernalInnovationHub.com to apply for the competition but hurry! The application deadline is March 2nd.