With thousands of dollars and a business boost on the line, five Tampa Bay area entrepreneurs took to the stage Tuesday night for the "Pitch 6" program.
The businesses -- Motorworks Brewing, Residential Acoustics, Safer Home Services, Urban E Recycling and VetCor Services -- went before a panel of judges to pitch their products.
The catch is, a timer is running and they get 6 minutes for their presentation.
"It was the fastest 6 minutes of my life. It really, really was," said Jim Swayne of Safer Home Services.
The show took place before a live studio audience.
The winner will receive $5,000 as well as marketing and advertising opportunities on Bright House Networks.
"One of the things these small businesses don't have is just that, a large marketing budget. So to get some advertising here with Bright House Networks, getting in on 'Pitch 6,' we're putting their business in front of thousands of eyes and it's really going to give them some great exposure," said Joe Durkin with Bright House Networks.
After each presentation, the judges weighed in, grilling the contestants on what they hope to achieve and how profitable it may be.
"Sales growth, revenue growth, expense management, I'm going to be looking for those different things that might make a company a little bit better than the other," said Vincent Cassidy, who was one of the judges.
The contestants said winning would really help them grow and expand their businesses.
"It would be amazing for marketing purposes. It would get the word out about who we are and what we do," said Greg Rabinowitz of Urban E Recycling.
"Honestly, it's like winning the Academy Award for us," said Denise Tschida of Motorworks Brewing.
The audience selected VetCor Services as the "People's Choice" winner.
The judge's choice winner will be announced Feb. 11 at the Regional Business Awards Gala.
"Pitch 6" will be shown on Bright House Networks, the parent company of Bay News 9. The date, time and channel will be announced at a later date.