FREEHOLD, NJ — The Brookdale Small Business Development Center is sponsoring a “Pitch Event” in Freehold on Aug. 31.

The Pitch Event will take place at the Court Street School Education Community Center, 140 Court St. in Freehold. It will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In an event similar to “Shark Tank,” it focuses on the pitch as a way to help launch and grow local businesses.

This community event kicks off the Freehold Borough Innovative Accelerator Program in which local entrepreneurs and start up businesses are invited to pitch their business ideas to an audience and panel of judges.

This is the “perfect way to get valuable advice and mentoring,” according to the organizer, Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes at Brookdale Community College’s Small Business Development Center. Contact her here for more information, or call at 732-842-8685.

This is an event limited to Freehold residents only.

The most promising companies will be invited to pitch before a panel of investors and lenders to compete for cash and services essential to small business owners.

The top 10 finalists from the Freehold Borough Pitch Event will be accepted into the accelerator cohort.

The participants will then enroll in a 15-week program with the Small Business Development Center at Brookdale. The program is free to the finalists.

The program will require each participant to complete the Entrepreneurship Certification Program and Digital Blueprint Certificate programs, in addition to participating in bimonthly mentorship forums and specialty events.

Submit a brief summary of your business idea now – or just come to check out the new business ideas on the Jersey Shore and root for your favorite presenter.

There is no fee for the pitch event. But participants must register here. Again, participants must be a Freehold resident.