The deadline to apply for the Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2019 Gas Tank Competition is only weeks away. Powersports entrepreneurs can win one-on-one mentorship from an industry veteran, plus a trip and booth space to the 2019 American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide. Applications and an “elevator pitch” video must be submitted by Jan. 31.

The MIC’s Gas Tank Competition is open to individuals and groups, women and men and anyone with a new product or service idea in the powersports industry.

“Every year, we’ve fielded entries from impressive entrepreneurs in all stages of their business plan. Some have a product in the works, others are in the early stages of their idea,” said Cam Arnold, who oversees the competition. “Gas Tank participation can be an incredible, life-changing experience. Past participants have told us that the process and mentorship helped guide their careers, focus their business plans and gave them renewed enthusiasm to drive their ambition forward.”

On or before Feb. 28, Arnold will work with Corey Meyerson, MIC’s membership advisor, to pair mentors from within MIC’s Aftermarket/Allied Trades membership with accepted entrants. In July, up to five finalists will be chosen to attend and present their business idea at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide in Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 26-29. AIMExpo brings together industry, press, dealers and consumers in a single arena and is the most important event of its type in North America.

The finalist prize package includes travel, lodging and expenses for one person, booth space at the show and access to powersports leaders and media. At AIMExpo, finalists must present, in person, their business plan to an industry panel. Pitches will be evaluated on monetary growth potential, overall strategic plan, strategic partners, scalability, innovation, impact and viability and other criteria. A first place, second place and runner-up will be announced at AIMExpo.

Important deadlines

• Jan. 31: Deadline for application and “elevator pitch” video
• Feb. 28: Accepted entrants will be matched with a mentor
• June 14: Deadline for entrants to submit business plans to Gas Tank
• July 8: Five finalists will be chosen to attend AIMExpo in Columbus, Ohio
• Sept. 26-29: Finalists will present their business plan to an industry panel at AIMExpo

For more information and to apply, go to mic.org and click on the tab for MIC Programs. If you have questions about the Gas Tank Competition, please contact Cam Arnold at [email protected].