By SEMA Editors
 The top five vote-getters will earn a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the 2019 SEMA Show. |
Young entrepreneurs, students and business owners looking for an opportunity to launch their products into the $43 billion automotive aftermarket industry can apply now for the SEMA Launch Pad program. The deadline to enter the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network (YEN), and compete for a top prize that includes $10,000 and exhibit space at the SEMA Show is April 14.
“Since 2013, the SEMA Launch Pad program has given more than 200 young entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of experts and a chance to bring their groundbreaking product ideas into the automotive aftermarket,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We’re excited to see a new group of young leaders and innovative products emerge from this year’s program.”
Fifteen applicants will be awarded a complimentary one-year membership to the 2019 SEMA Show, as well as registration and airfare (up to $500) to attend the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit in Las Vegas—a two-day conference in June for exhibitors. The 15 Launch Pad participants will learn new business strategies and film a short video that will be used for an online voting competition.
The public will be able to view the 15 videos online and cast their votes for the business they would like to advance to the next round. From there, 10 finalists will receive a complimentary kiosk booth at the 2019 SEMA Show, with the top five vote-getters earning a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 4, at the SEMA Show.
“The top five finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of iconic industry judges, who will determine the winner of the top prize of $10,000, a turnkey exhibit space with premium placement at the 2020 SEMA Show, free promotional support and more,” said Ridnouer. “SEMA Launch Pad is an amazing opportunity to help bring a product to market and create business exposure."
Applicants do not need to be members of SEMA or YEN to participate, but must hold stake within the company. Students who meet the qualifications are invited to apply as well.
To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/launchpad before April 14.