Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Values Partnerships, And U.S. Chamber's CATI Release "Entrepreneur Pitch Toolkit"

NEW YORK - April 20, 2016 - PRLog -- The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center (the Center), Values Partnerships, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation (CATI) released the Entrepreneur Pitch Toolkit to help entrepreneurs master the art of pitching to investors or customers in high-pressure situations. The toolkit was first made available today at a casting call for ABC's Shark Tank organized by Values Partnerships held at the New York Institute of Technology's School of Management in Manhattan, NY.

The release follows last month's announcement of a new partnership between the Center, Values Partnerships, and CATI, which was forged to empower entrepreneurs, prepare a diverse group of entrepreneurs to successfully compete for funding, and support entrepreneurial ecosystems from coast to coast.

Curated by marketing, sales and communications experts, the free "Entrepreneur Pitch Toolkit" provides resources for all types of pitch preparation. The toolkit will continue to be updated with new resources in different disciplines. The current toolkit includes the following lessons and resource kits:

· Deliver a Lean, Persuasive Pitch, Get Storied

· Create an Effective Presentation, Own the Room

· Negotiating Deal Terms, WSGR and the Center

· Make Your Business Media Ready, Eastwick

· Small Business, Big Challenge, US Chamber of Commerce

The "Entrepreneur Pitch Toolkit (http://thecenter.nasdaq.org/entrepreneur-pitch-toolkit/)" is available to any entrepreneur at any time. It can be viewed online or as a downloadable PDF (http://thecenter.nasdaq.org/wp-content/themes/nasdaq_the_center/img/PitchToolkit.pdf).

Over the coming months it will be shared with entrepreneurs and partners during the 2016 diversity casting tour for Shark Tank, organized by Values Partnerships. Values Partnerships is leading a nationwide casting tour supporting minority entrepreneurship and recruiting diverse ideas and voices to pitch on Season 8 of the hit show. Upcoming cast tour dates include:

· Detroit, MI - May 16, 2016

· San Francisco / Oakland, CA - May 26, 2016

· Washington, D.C. - June 15, 2016

· New Orleans, LA - July 2, 2016

· Cincinnati, OH - July 16, 2016

"At the moment when it is critical to land an idea, paint a picture, tell a story, make a connection, we want entrepreneurs to feel ready and confident in moving forward. Now, anyone preparing for an important conversation can access expert counsel and resources through the Entrepreneur Pitch Toolkit to prepare, practice and refine their pitch," said Nicola Corzine, executive director, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center.

"Our nation's entrepreneurs are bold and creative thinkers who enable economic growth and support the creation of new jobs," said Amanda Eversole, president, CATI. "CATI works to harness the power of innovation and support the role it plays in our economy, and we are excited that these toolkits will help these innovators best present their ideas and reach their full potential."

"As we travel the country and meet entrepreneurs, the accents, venues, and products change - however - many of the challenges are consistent. Storytelling, revenue generation, negotiations, and access to capital are universal themes in the journey of entrepreneurs from East Palo Alto, CA to Southeast Washington, D.C. This toolkit addresses many of the consistent concerns we hear from the thousands of entrepreneurs that pitch at our casting calls each year. We are excited to share this free resource during our nationwide tour," said Brandon Andrews, Values Partnerships.

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Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center (@theCenter) is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization designed to educate, innovate and connect aspiring and current entrepreneurs. Established in 2014 with support from the Nasdaq Educational Foundation, the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center serves the greater Bay Area community through differentiated events, meaningful entrepreneurial education and a prominent mentorship program. For further information, please visit: http://thecenter.nasdaq.org/.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation The Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation promotes the role of technology in our economy and advocates for rational policy solutions that drive economic growth, spur innovation and create jobs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (@USChamber) is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

Values Partnerships

Values Partnerships (@VPIConsulting) uses the power of faith-based, ethnic, and community partnerships to solve problems and change the world. We take on causes and clients we believe in - and then we work to build grassroots partnerships and advocacy campaigns to advance goals, and mobilize customers, constituencies and audiences worldwide.