— Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that it is hosting a unique opportunity to support local small businesses through a networking and showcase opportunity in Sioux Falls in June. The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Summit provides small business owners learning opportunities and resources from Hy-Vee and other local business leaders to help grow their businesses. The summit, which is free and open to the public, will be held Tuesday, June 18, at the Convention Center at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.

A spotlight of the summit is a live pitch competition that is open to minority- and women-owned businesses. Fifteen finalists will be selected to compete for cash prizes to use for their business. Hy-Vee will award up to $50,000 in cash investments. Those interested in participating in the pitch competition must apply by 11: 59 p.m. (CDT) on May 19, 2024 at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com.

The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit—free and open to the public—offers programming and resources for current and aspiring small business owners. Anyone interested in attending may register in advance at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com. Community groups, organizations, area businesses, and professionals supporting or networking with small businesses are encouraged to attend and enjoy the below Summit highlights:

Business Expo
Explore resources and networking opportunities tailored for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Summit’s Business Expo, featuring over a dozen organizations committed to supporting small business growth.

Breakout Sessions
Led by industry leaders, topics will include:
• navigating access to capital
• building strong networks and alliances
• boosting your business marketing
• overcoming regulatory hurdles

One-on-One Mentoring Sessions
Attendees can meet one-on-one with local Hy-Vee leaders to gain insight into retail operations and showcase products directly to retail leaders.

Live Pitch Competition (must apply in advance to participate in the competition)
Local minority and women-owned businesses are invited to apply to showcase their products or services during a live pitch competition, which will be held during the summit. Hy-Vee will award up to $50,000 in total investment dollars. Selected applicants will present to a panel of judges who will select one-grand-prize winner to earn $30,000. Plus, one first-place winner will be selected from each pitch category to win $5,000 each. Additional cash investments may be awarded. Those interested in participating in the pitch competition must apply by 11: 59 p.m. (CDT) on May 19, 2024 at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com.

Hy-Vee is currently accepting submissions for the pitch competition in the following categories:
• Food and Beverage
• Technology and Innovation
• Health, Wellness and Beauty
WHAT: Hy-Vee’s OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit WHEN: Tuesday, June 18
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Convention Center at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
1201 N. West Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104