Real Local RVA

Growing the Local Food Movement in Greater Richmond

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Help to the Shelf

(Help to the Shelf logo by Riddle Design Co.)

Sponsored by:

Richmond’s food and beverage scene is alive and well in the River City.  Three local organizations have partnered to bring an exciting pitch competition to RVA aimed at helping businesses launch a product and gain recognition with a larger audience.  If you’re ready to take the next step in launching a food or beverage product we hope you’ll apply to be a part of this fun, collaborative event!  Our goal is to bring excitement and awareness to the many amazing food and beverage products produced locally.  Please read on for a description of the event and the qualifications to apply.

***APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 11TH, FINALISTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY SEPTEMBER 27th.***

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Details:

  • Round One
    • 15 local products will be chosen to sample at Real Local RVA’s October meeting on Monday, October 7th from 10:30-12 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
    • Producers will “table” at the event in a farmer’s market style sampling opportunity to guests of the meeting and event judges
    • Competition will be narrowed down to 5 finalists that same day
  • Round Two
    • Five finalists will “Pitch” to the judges at a second event on Tuesday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m.
    • Pitches will last no longer than 5 minutes each
    • Winners will be announced that evening

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Product MUST be:

  • Less than 2 years old on date of application submission (from date on businesses license)
  • Produced within 100 miles of the University of Richmond
  • Certified legal by VDACS by September 27, 2019
  • Able to attend BOTH events associated with the competition

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Prizes:

  • 1st place:
    • $1000 from Virginia Foodshed Capital (formerly Slow Money CVA)
    • 1 Free Booth at March 2020 VDACS Food and Bev Expo ($300 value)
    • 1 month satellite membership to Hatch Kitchen ($200 value)
    • 1 Strategy Session with the Apple Cart ($425 value)
    • 1 Year Membership Real Local RVA ($180 value)
    • 1 Branding package with Creative Marketing Group ($2000 value)
    • 1 Half Day photo shoot (4 hours) with Levesque Photography ($650 value)
    • An opportunity to consult with University of Richmond Dining Services on larger scale wholesale processes
  • 2nd place:
    • $250 from VDACS
    • 1 Free Booth at March 2020 VDACS Food and Bev Expo ($300 value)
    • 1 month satellite membership to Hatch Kitchen ($200 Value)
    • 1 Strategy Session with the Apple Cart ($425 value)
    • 1 Year Membership Real Local RVA ($180 value)

Do you have a winning product?  We welcome you to submit an application below!

**All applications due by September 11, 2019.**

 

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