Natural products entrepreneurs compete in 16th Naturally Boulder Pitch Slam for $90K in prizes

On Oct. 29, one young organic or natural products company will receive a life-changing prize package after beating out nine other companies in Naturally Boulder’sShark Tank-style Pitch Slam. Now in its 16th year, Naturally Boulder’s biggest annual event, the “Pitch Slam and Autumn Awards featuring Innovation Showcase,” will be held online via New Hope Network’s Spark Change platform. This first-ever digital iteration of the event will allow people all over the world to tune in, vote for the winner and try a sample box full of up-and-coming natural and organic products. 

“It’s been a dark year for many, and now, more than ever, we’re excited to empower young companies that have their hearts, minds and business strategy set on making the world a better, healthier and more sustainable place,” said Naturally Boulder Executive Director Arron Mansika. “The Pitch Slam won’t be just an abbreviated version of previous years’ events–we’re creating an even more robust, exciting event that will still allow the participants to share their news and their products, while being fun, interesting and valuable for the people enjoying the event from home.” 

The winner of the Pitch Slam receives a booth at Natural Products Expo East 2021 and a guaranteed opportunity to pitch at the Expo East Pitch Slam. The first-, second- and third-place winners split a prize pack of a robust suite of business services from sponsors, such as free financial and legal advice, packaging design, strategy consulting from leading marketing and public relations agencies and more–a total package worth nearly $90,000. 

This year’s well-known and well-respected Pitch Slam judges include rePlant Capital Co-Founder Robyn O’Brien, Weller Co-Founder John Simmons, Birch Benders Co-Founder and CMO Lizzi Ackerman and CEO and President of ONE Brands Peter Burns. Past Pitch Slam winners include Hoplark Hoptea, which went on to win the 2019 Best New Beverage NEXTY Award from Natural Products Expo West, and Evol. 

“Ever since we decided to launch a natural product, Naturally Boulder was there to educate and connect us to a vibrant community,” said Dean Eberhardt, founder of Hoplark Hoptea. “Winning the Naturally Boulder Pitch Slam was one of our proudest moments as a brand. There is immense nationwide recognition for this award, we received many positive connections in the industry with key stakeholders after winning, and the prize package is beyond lucrative, helping set up a young company for success.” 

In previous years people had to attend the Innovation Showcase to meet exhibitors and sample their products. But this year event registrants can order from a selection of tailored consumer packaged good boxes, with considered themes such as Decadent "Better for You" Sweet and Savory Foods, Fun and Functional Beverages, Health-Conscious and Allergen-Friendly Plant-Based Box and Wellness and CBD functional products. The deadline for purchasing Innovation Showcase sample boxes is Oct. 8. 

Following the Pitch Slam presentations, Naturally Boulder will present four Autumn Awards to celebrate exceptional “movers and shakers” in the organic and natural products industry: the Pitch Slam Award (first, second, third place and People’s Choice vote receive trophies), the Breakout Brand award, the Industry Leader/Community Champ of 2020 Award and the Climate Catalyst of 2020 Award, which is Naturally Boulder’s newest award and highlights Naturally Boulder’s recent climate commitment. 

Passes are on sale now. Early registration passes, which include access to all three events, are $25 plus fees for members, and $45 plus fees for non-members. Early registration ends Oct. 2. Standard passes are $40+ fees for members, and $60 + fees for nonmembers. Registration closes Oct. 26th at 5 p.m. MDT.  The event’s exclusive sponsor is New Hope Network. 

Important dates to remember

Oct. 2: Deadline to purchase early registration passes.

Oct. 2: Deadline to nominate a company for Climate Catalyst of 2020 Award.

Oct. 5: Deadline to apply to be a pitch slammer.

Oct. 8: Deadline to apply to exhibit at the Innovation Showcase (including featuring products in the sample boxes).

Oct. 8: Deadline to purchase Innovation Showcase sample boxes.

Oct. 26: Registration closes.

Oct. 29: Naturally Boulder's 16th annual Pitch Slam and Autumn Awards Innovation Showcase 1-4 p.m. MDT. Pitch Slam and Autumn Awards 4-6 p.m. MDT.

Source: Naturally Boulder