Kauffman Foundation's 1 Million Cups and the Nutrition Capital Network will be source of entrepreneurs who will compete
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Dream Big America (www.dreambigamerica.us), the first-ever live nationally-syndicated radio show pitting vetted entrepreneur ideas against each other, announced today its launch on July 9th. Famed radio host Doug Stephan will air the 30-minute Dream Big America Show from 9:10 am to 9:40 am ET each Tuesday on his Good Day program, reaching 485 markets and over 3.5 million weekly listeners. The Dream Big America Show features three entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas for two minutes each, followed by a rotating panel of three acclaimed business leaders who offer feedback and suggestions. Tapping into the surging entrepreneurial movement spreading across the country, Dream Big America strives to educate and support start-ups, all while providing an exciting venue for America to choose which new businesses it wants to see hit the market.
The engines that drive Dream Big America are its strong partnerships with highly respected and trusted national entrepreneurial organizations. Today, Dream Big America announced partnerships with Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and San Diego-based Nutritional Capital Network.
The Kauffman Foundation, one of the largest foundations in the world dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, will utilize its 1 Million Cups (www.1millioncups.com) startup education program to vet budding businesses. In each of its member cities across the country, 1 Million Cups programs offer two local entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their startups to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors and entrepreneurs. The best entrepreneurial presenters will appear on Dream Big America.
"We are excited to partner with Dream Big America. The show will provide a unique platform for exposure and support for our entrepreneurs," said Nate Olson, a Kauffman Foundation associate who leads the 1 Million Cups program. "1 Million Cups will serve as the feeding mechanism for this show, and each of our sites across the country will have an opportunity to showcase the amazing startups from their communities."
The Nutrition Capital Network (www.nutritioncapital.com) evaluates over 300 emerging companies a year in the health and nutrition space, selecting fewer than 20 percent to present their ideas to the organization's investor and entrepreneur members. Those that present are provided support and access to investors. The best of the presenting companies are selected to appear on the Dream Big America Show.
"Dream Big America provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase the best and brightest rising stars in the health and wellness industries," said Tom Aarts, Nutrition Capital Network co-founder. "The nutrition market is growing rapidly and providing real benefits to people around the world. We are thrilled to have America get to know these exciting companies via Dream Big America."
Dream Big America is broadcast on the Good Day program in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and most major markets. For those markets that do not air the Good Day program, listeners can tune in online each Tuesday at DreamBigAmerica.us. Presentations are archived on the website so voters who might have missed the live show can review the pitches and still vote. Voting is open for 28 hours after each show, allowing all time zones a full 24 hours to vote.
"I am so pleased to partner with the Kauffman Foundation and the Nutrition Capital Network," said Doug Stephan. "To work with these tremendous entrepreneurial organizations is very exciting. It will ensure that our show provides not only a voice for the most interesting and impressive entrepreneurs in our country, but also fulfills our mission – allow listeners to vote for and support the very best business venture from across our land. Together we will build a strong future for America."
Doug Stephan has been a leading radio personality for over 23 years, hosting his daily syndicated Good Day program from Boston. His program ranks 5th in the country based on weekly listenership. Doug is a strong supporter of entrepreneurs, sustainable farming and wellness education.
Dream Big America online:
www.DreamBigAmerica.us
www.facebook.com/DreamBigAmerica
twitter.com/DreamBigUSA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9alwsNLvas
Media Contacts:
Beth Chapman, 816.835.0306, Email, Dream Big America
Barbara Pruitt, 816.932.1288, Email, Kauffman Foundation
Thomas Aarts, 619.295.7685 ext. 18, Email, Nutrition Capital Network