Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Striking creativity and alluring innovations will capture the attention of influential investors at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Entrepreneurship Center's Rocket Pitch event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27 in the Madeline Suite. Five regional entrepreneurs will present their business models to investors in hopes of gaining valuable financial support and advice for their ventures.

Entrepreneurs will also demonstrate their products, which include a revolutionary new motorcycle design, organic material that molecularly cleans up oil spills and other environmental hazards, and an innovative business model to end obesity. A list of participating companies is below.

Entrepreneurs will have 10 minutes each to pitch their business models and growth strategies to business leaders and investors. Previous Rocket Pitch events have resulted in individual companies receiving as much as $4 million in equity funding and more than $100,000 in customer/client contracts.

This event is designed to highlight local startup companies and provide networking opportunities, benefiting ventures that are suffering due to the current economic decline. Attendees will have the opportunity to give feedback to the entrepreneurs and ask questions regarding their current business situations and future plans.

For more information on UNCW Rocket Pitch, visit the EC website at http://uncwec.org.

Media are invited to take advantage of multiple visual and interview opportunities during this invitation-only event.

Media contact:
Joy Davis, Marketing and Communications, 910.632.3903 or davisjc@uncw.edu

Profiled Companies:

ShellBond
www.shellbond.com
ShellBond holds several application patents on the process of converting organic calcium-based animal bones and marine shellfish into a unique organic calcium hydrate. As a result of its chemical bonding properties, the material has applications in water, consumer products, pharmaceutical, construction and environmental cleanup industries.

Treadwell Corporation
www.treadwellness.com
The Treadwell® Wellness Device is a revolutionary new device with patent pending technology that is designed for ease of use with very low exertion. The design allows for a low-resistance, no impact motion that provides the benefits of increased blood flow usually gained from exercise, which can be used on a daily basis without the risk of doing harm. It is especially well suited for the residents of nursing homes.

Cape Fear Motorcycle
www.myroughbike.com
CF Motorcycle has designed and patented a revolutionary new motorcycle design. The company's first model, the River Rat, has exceeded all design and performance expectations.

Custom Fit Meals
www.customfitmeals.com
This fast growing company embodies a back-to-the basics approach to nutrition – replacing highly processed foods with natural, whole foods. They take on the burden of cooking, cleaning and calorie counting while clients eat fresh, delicious meals and learn how to create and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Equine Acres
Equine Acres provides equine-assisted activities to persons with disabilities. The organization's mission is to provide a professional environment to serve persons with disabilities so that they might achieve increased self-confidence and improved life skills through teamwork with horses and staff.