4 Maine Entrepreneurs Via For Top Spot At Big Gig

This evening, at Kanù restaurant and nightclub in Old Town, 4 Maine entrepreneurs will compete for a grand prize of $5000.

The program putting up the money is called The Big Gig, and according to organizers,  it's a competition for local entrepreneurs who are looking to get a financial shot in the arm, and get their products in front of prominent business members of the community.

"Big Gig is a competition for local entrepreneurs to pitch their business idea or early-stage company. Pitch-offs normally occur four times a year, three regular-season events and one finale."

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The Pitch-offs have already taken place, with 3 of the 4 contestants having won their respective contests. The 4th contestant won the "wild card" spot, getting voted in through social media.

"Our goal is to create a network of innovators and entrepreneurs, making positive change and bringing economic growth to our communities in the Bangor area."

These four folks will be competing at the event, scheduled to take place Tuesday evening at 5:30.

Ger Liang Tysk of Red Kettle Foods, "who makes naturally fermented kimchi and Asian-inspired spice mixes."

John Painter of Maine Green Crabs, "transforms the invasive green crab into a variety of useful products, improving our marine environment and people’s lives."

Joanne Steenberg of the Love Card, "a global pay-it-forward movement spreading love one heart at a time."

Katherine Swann of Pen & Cob Farm, "who makes specialty food and wellness products with farmed and foraged ingredients from Downeast Maine."

"These four entrepreneurs will pitch their innovative, early-stage businesses to our panel of judges and the audience."

Those who attend will get a chance to vote, alongside a panel of local judges, on who they'd like to see go home with the prize money.

To find out more about the Big Gig program, you can visit the website Biggig.org.