The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the industry’s largest non-profit organization of salon professionals, partnered with Cosmoprof North America (CPNA), a leading international business-to-business beauty trade show, to launch the ultimate brand presentation for beauty entrepreneurs at PBA Beauty Week 2015. A first of its kind, the Beauty Pitch offers up-and-coming and established companies alike the unique opportunity to present their brand, products, or ideas to a panel of top investors, including renowned entrepreneurs Mark Cuban and John Paul DeJoria. Five finalists will have the chance to pitch to the panel live as part of PBA’s Business Forum on July 12 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. One winner will receive a one-year mentorship from Mark Cuban and / or another will receive possible funding from a reputable private equity firm. “The Beauty Pitch brings the concept of ABC’s Shark Tank to PBA Beauty Week giving beauty entrepreneurs access to potential financial support and mentoring from acclaimed businessmen,” says Scott Buchanan, PBA Chairman. “We are thrilled to have the support of Mark, JP, and the investment community to present this unique opportunity to the professional beauty industry.”
Cuban served as the keynote speaker during PBA’s Business Forum in 2014 but this year’s event will be a first for DeJoria. “I’m thrilled to return to CPNA and PBA Beauty Week as I have a vested interest in building my industry knowledge to further support the three beauty brands I currently own and mentoring one winning brand from the Beauty Pitch to success,” says Cuban. To kick off the Beauty Pitch, Cuban and DeJoria will share their advice on business practices and answer questions from the audience with Buchanan serving as the moderator. The finalist companies will then present their live pitches.
The Beauty Pitch is now accepting submissions online through May 4 at 9:00 a.m. EDT. For official rules, entry fees, and details, see beautypitch.com/rules and follow #BeautyPitch for updates. An internal panel of judges consisting of industry professionals, program hosts, and investors will select the five finalists, and they will be announced May 22.