AUSTIN, TX — The City of Austin Economic Development Department, in partnership with the Austin Young Chamber, is excited to announce the upcoming Austin Fast Start pitch competitions. Austin Fast Start is a pitch competition for small businesses less than two years old. The pitch competition focuses on various industries that reflect Austin’s economic development priorities. This year’s categories are Consumer Packaged Goods, Internet of Things/Smart Cities, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
 
“Austin Fast Start is a fresh way to engage with startup entrepreneurs,” said Vicky Valdez, Division Manager of the Economic Development Department's Small Business Program. “Each pitch competition introduces innovative young businesses that are addressing needs in creative new ways.”
 
On January 9, 2020, the pitch competition will focus on Consumer Packaged Goods. Consumer Packaged Goods are daily items that need routine replacement or replenishment. Products include food, beverage, apparel, jewelry, toys, and more. Finalists have five minutes to pitch their product or service to a panel of judges and the audience. After a round of questions, the judging panel will score and the audience will vote to determine a winner. Winners will receive a cash price of $2,500 and in-kind prizes of $4,000 including business coaching and resources to jumpstart growth.
 
“The Austin Fast Start pitch competition is a great partnership that provides coaching and funding to local startups that are ready to go to the next level,” said Alyssia Palacios-Woods, President and CEO of the Austin Young Chamber.
 
Competing companies include:

Manna Muffins by Fringe Foods
The mission of Fringe Foods is to provide premium whole food plant based products while employing and empowering individuals who feel excluded from society (disabled, etc.). Manna Muffins can be used as a complete meal or snack, and are made from ancient grains or almond flower (gluten free version), beans, seeds, dates, spices, fruits, and vegetables.

Remane
Remane is a company helping naturals reframe the conversations that they are having around their hair by providing naturals with the essential tools needed for washing, styling, or maintaining their hair. Users are provided with "toolkits" as well as the knowledge needed to properly care for their hair.

Steamm Espresso
Steamm Espresso is the world's first ready to drink bottled espresso. Steeped in cacao for a smooth chocolate finish and loaded with antioxidants, Steamm Espresso is crafted to provide energy and focus while honoring your coffee ritual.

Tynie Nail Polish
Tynie Polish is a maker of small-batch designer nail polish offering unique colors and finishes that are non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free. Tynie create luxurious, environmentally-friendly nail polish in trend-making shades while taking as much waste out of the nail polish manufacturing process as possible
 
Register to attend and learn more at: www.austinyc.org/austin-fast-start/
 
Upcoming Austin Fast Start Industries:

• January 9, 2020 - Consumer Packaged Goods
  Location: H-E-B Digital and Favor East Tech Hub | 2416 East 6^th Street
• June 2020 - Internet of Things/Smart Cities Technology
• September 2020 – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

 
Previous 2019 Austin Fast Start Winners and Finalists:

Mobility Innovation Pitch Winner: ElecTrip
ElecTrip is a no-compromise travel solution that offers door to door transportation between major cities located less than 4 hours apart in private, professionally driven Teslas with Wi-Fi and laptop charging on board.
Mobility Finalists: Bndl LLC, Saddle, THruck
 
Fashion Pitch Winner: Mary Claret
Mary Claret is a contemporary women’s apparel brand based in Austin, Texas. They design apparel products that flatter a variety of body types through the use of generous silhouettes and flattering fabrics.
Fashion Finalists: Green Hug, Joey Ro, Swayy
 
FinTech Pitch Winner: Jump Credit
Jump Credit is an alternative credit technology that will accurately predict risk on student loans in developing countries by using academic data, psychometrics, and machine learning.
FinTech Finalists: Rocket Dollar, Tixpire

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About the City of Austin Economic Development Department 
The City of Austin Economic Development Department influences revenue generation through its programs and investments to secure economic mobility for our residents and promote a competitive, sustainable, vibrant and equitable economy for all. For more information, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and follow on Twitter.  
 
About the Austin Young Chamber
The Austin Young Chamber promotes the general economic interests of the Central Texas business community through initiatives and efforts designed to build and strengthen our young professional workforce. Connect with the Austin Young Chamber on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, or check out upcoming programs at austinyc.org.