WEST WARWICK, R.I., Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Business and Inc. Magazine in partnership with the Providence Business News are presenting "Get Started RI," a Shark Tank-like business pitch competition, Wednesday, November 6 at the Renaissance Providence Hotel.  Registration is now open to watch the pitches live at www.CoxBlue.com/GetStartedRI and the event is free to attend. 

"Get Started RI" will highlight up to five entrepreneurs who will pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts in digital marketing, funding and business growth strategy.  One winner will be named that evening to receive a $5,000 technology package, courtesy of Cox Business. Local business professionals not competing are encouraged to attend this free event for networking and learning opportunities.

The panel will include Ann Handley, chief content officer of MarketingProfs and one of the nation's leaders in digital content marketing; Mark Hellendrung, founder and CEO of Narragansett Brewing Company and an Inc. 5000 winner; and Josh Linker, venture capitalist, author and entrepreneur will also be on hand to offer advice on funding. Allison Fass, deputy editor of Inc., will be moderating the session while providing feedback.  Each panelist was selected to bring a unique expertise to the event, providing feedback and advice in all aspects of starting a business. 

"Cox Business is passionate about supporting local small business growth, and what better place to focus than the start-ups that need resources and support the most," said Mark Scott, vice president of Cox Business. "Get Started RI is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn from our expert panel and from one another."

Businesses or individuals interested in pitching their business idea to the panel can visit www.coxblue.com/getstartedri to enter and to view the official rules. Applicants must provide a 250 word or less description of the proposed product or service pitch. All entries must be received by 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 30. Cox Business will select up to five finalists who will present their pitch live the night of Wednesday, November 6.  Entrants will be notified by Thursday, October 31, 2013 if they are selected to pitch in the live event.

Finalists will have two minutes to pitch their business idea to the expert panel and will receive immediate feedback.  The panelists will then determine the best pitch based on innovation, ease of implementation and the benefit it brings to the local community.

"Get Started RI" will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a networking. After the pitches have concluded, an interactive Q&A will take place with the expert panel and live audience. 

"Get Started RI" will be the fourth event in the "Get Started" series this year by Cox Business and Inc. Magazine. Earlier this year, "Get Started OKC" took place, crowning ScanMed QR as the winner, "Get Started CT" took place at the Connecticut Business Expo in June, where Fusion Cross-Media took the prize, and most recently, Post-op Top won "Get Started OC" in California.       

Cox Business provides voice, data and video services for more than 300,000 small and regional businesses, including healthcare providers, K-12 and higher education, financial institutions and federal, state and local government organizations. The organization also serves most of the top tier wireless and wireline telecommunications carriers in the U.S. through its wholesale division. According to Vertical Systems Group, Cox Business is one of the largest providers of business Ethernet services in the U.S. based on customer ports and has been consistently recognized for its leadership among small/midsize business data service providers. Cox is currently the seventh largest voice service provider in the U.S. and supports one million phone lines. For more information about Cox Business, visit www.cox.com/business or call 1-800-396-1609.

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for seven years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About Inc.:

Inc., the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. It provides hands-on resources and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. In addition, Inc. looks beyond work to address the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Inc. inspires and informs, with cutting-edge coverage that reflects its readers' energy, brashness, and imagination.

SOURCE Cox Business