MARTINSBURG -- A program designed by the Berkeley County Development Authority to help local entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses has once again brought to the forefront exceptional entrepreneurial endeavors. Now in its third year, the Build Up Berkeley Business Pitch Competition attracted 35 applicants — more than double the 16 who applied last year. Of those, 11 were selected to move forward in the program, which offers a mix of education, mentoring and networking opportunities before culminating in a live pitch competition this fall.

The culmination of their eight-class educational series hosted in partnership with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, came as competitors presented their pitches on Nov. 7 in a public gathering at The Apollo Civic Theater.

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