Renowned Entrepreneur Daymond John Joins Judging Panel for Cox Business and Inc. Magazine's Get Started Las Vegas Pitch Competition

Limited spots still available to pitch and attend Get Started Vegas

Get Started Las Vegas to be live streamed at CoxBLUE.com/GetStartedLasVegas beginning at 6:30 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 1, Cox Business will hold its annual Get Started Las Vegas event at the Rain Nightclub of the Palms Casino Resort from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Local entrepreneurs will pitch their business plans in front of a live audience and a panel of five expert judges, including well-known entrepreneur and television personality Daymond John. Pitcher registration is open and tickets to attend the free event are also available here for a limited time.

Daymond John was recently named a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship and is best known for creating the iconic clothing company FUBU. In addition, John is a "Shark" on ABC's Emmy Award winning series, "Shark Tank."

Start-ups and small businesses around the country have an opportunity to tune in live for Get Started Las Vegas by simply clicking on CoxBlue.com/GetStartedLasVegas beginning at 6:30 p.m. PT on October 1. 

The panel of judges will review business pitches from five Las Vegas locals in front of a live audience at the Rain Nightclub. The winner, as determined by the judges, will claim a prize package from Cox Business and Inc. Magazine valued at $15,000.

"Cox's Get Started initiative connects with a personal mission of mine: to elevate entrepreneurs, provide the support they need and ultimately launch them toward a future of success. All it takes is for one person to believe in you, and Cox Business is providing that platform for these entrepreneurs," said John.

John has been a member of the "Shark Tank" cast since 2009. Before that, he was best known for founding urban clothing company, FUBU, a company credited for propelling urban streetwear into mainstream fashion.

"Get Started was created to propel entrepreneurs into the spotlight. We're excited to have Daymond, along with four other entrepreneurial experts, to judge these pitches and share their insights with Las Vegas entrepreneurs. At the end of the event, someone will walk away that much closer to their dreams," said Steve Rowley, Senior Vice President of Cox Business and one of Get Started Las Vegas' judges. 

The winner of the competition will receive a prize including $2,500 cash, one year of Cox Business service, a feature article on Inc. Magazine's website and more.

Get Started is a national start-up and small business series provided by Cox Business in partnership with Inc. Magazine. Get Started Las Vegas is the 16th event in the series that has awarded more than $200,000 in cash and prizes to entrepreneurs across the U.S.

Local businesses not competing are encouraged to attend the event to network and learn from the pitching efforts of fellow entrepreneurs. An interactive Q&A will take place with the expert panel and live audience immediately following the pitches. Spectators can purchase tickets here.

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and digital media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity 10 times, including the last nine years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About Inc.
Inc., the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. It provides hands-on resources and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. In addition, Inc. looks beyond work to address the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Inc. inspires and informs, with cutting-edge coverage that reflects its readers' energy, brashness, and imagination.

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SOURCE Cox Business

For further information: Shana Keith, shana.keith@cox.com, 404.269.0942