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The 2014 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup adds a fun and interactive element to the highly successful business model competition. Now, the public has a chance to get involved and help their favorite startup advance in the 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup competition powered by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation.

In addition to pitching before a panel of judges, this year the semi-finalists will compete for the public’s vote as Fan Favorite. The startup that receives the most votes will be the Fan Favorite and is guaranteed a spot as a finalist in the 2014 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup competition.

“The Fan Favorite competition allows the community to become part of the 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup competition,” said 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup Chair Autumn Worten. “We hope people will check out the entrepreneurs, vote for their favorite and help Tulsa’s economy and job growth by supporting these startups. Plus, we think the public will be captivated by the imaginative ideas and products.”

The Fan Favorite will advance to the final round of the business model competition. The judges will select six finalists from the semi-finalists following their pitch presentations on Sept. 25. The Fan Favorite will be assured a seventh finalist spot if not already selected as one of the six finalists by the judges.

91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup Fan Favorite voting opens Friday, Sept. 19, 2014 and closes at 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. There is no limit to the number of votes an individual may cast per startup. An individual can vote at www.tccstartupcup.com.

The 2014 finalists will be announced Sept. 30. The finalists will take part in a final round of coaching and then compete before the panel of judges on Nov. 6. The 2014 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup winner will be announced on Nov. 18 during Global Entrepreneurship Week with $30,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place and $2,500 for third place.

In addition to streamlining the 2014 competition, the 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup added a networking and coaching event open to all of the entrepreneurs who entered this year’s competition. The participants were given one-on-one time with established and successful entrepreneurs to ask questions and get advice with the goal to connect participants to other entrepreneurs.

The 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup is designed to support entrepreneurial growth, expand business and community connections, and maximize promotional opportunities both locally and nationally. A study released in June shows the business model competition and the participants have a significant economic impact creating 300 full-time jobs and 2,000 part-time or contract positions and adding more than $85.1 million to the Tulsa economy. The 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup is based on a coaching and mentoring structure. Former participants says it is one of the most valuable aspects of the business model competition with 70 percent of 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup finalists still in operation compared to the national average of 25 percent.

The 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup is designed to support entrepreneurial growth, expand business and community connections, and maximize promotional opportunities both locally and nationally. A study released in June shows the business model competition and the participants have a significant economic impact creating 300 full-time jobs and 2,000 part-time or contract positions and adding more than $85.1 million to the Tulsa economy. The 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup is based on a coaching and mentoring structure. Former participants says it is one of the most valuable aspects of the business model competition with 70 percent of 91Ӱ�� StartUp Cup finalists still in operation compared to the national average of 25 percent.