DALTON, Ga. — The Dalton Innovation Accelerator will host its second annual pitch competition on Oct. 8, and the call for pitches is open from now until June 15.

Each applicant to the competition will take part in a wayfinding meeting with local community leaders, including investors, business professors and entrepreneurs of all kinds. The advisory panel will take several factors into consideration including the market opportunity for the idea, the overall business model of the idea, the capabilities of the management team and the strength of product/service offering.

From that point, applicants can go through a business boot camp to help form their idea into a business plan, or, if the applicant already has a business plan, more wayfinding will be available periodically until the semifinalists are announced on Aug. 30. Semifinalists receive continued mentorship from the aforementioned community business leaders.

Prizes for the winner include a cash award of $5,000, office space in downtown Dalton rent free for the first six months, a quick start website package and more. Those interested in participating in the pitch can apply at daltoninnovationaccelerator.com/apply.

For more information, contact marketing@daltoninnovationaccelerator.com.