Guest feature: Robert Bower works with the Small Business Development Center in Washington County. Follow Maryland SBDC on Facebook.

Do you have a brilliant product idea that will change the world? Is your startup company the next big thing? Is your business ready to explode? Then the inaugural Hub City Business Competition will give you a chance to prove it and maybe even win some investment capital.

The "Shark Tank" style pitch competition takes place on November 17 at Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Performing & Visual Arts Education Center. The event is hosted by local economic development agencies including the Washington County Department of Business Development, City of Hagerstown's Community and Economic Development, USMH, the Chamber of Commerce, Washington County SBDC and SCORE.

Entrepreneurs, startup or growing companies with a new idea are encouraged to submit an entry online. All entries will be screened and will have access to local business development resources to help perfect their business model.

Selected entrants will be invited to present to a celebrity judging panel made up of local business and civic leaders. First prize will be $2500, with $1000 for second place and $500 for the audience's favorite pitch.

The event will also feature a startup expo in the theater lobby, where several economic development agencies will be available to answer questions, provide startup information, business funding options and advice.

Entry into the competition and admission to the event are free. The deadline to apply is October 28 by5 p.m. Finalists will be notified by November 10 of their selection to pitch at the competition.

To submit an application form or for complete information please, visit www.HubCityBizComp.com or email to info@HubCityBizComp.com.

For more information about the competition contact Robert Bower, rebower@frostburg.edu or 240-727-8210.