The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the industry’s largest non-profit organization of salon professionals, partnered with Cosmoprof North America (CPNA), a leading international business-to-business beauty trade show, to launch the ultimate brand presentation for beauty entrepreneurs at PBA Beauty Week 2015 (July 11-15, 2015). A first of its kind, the Beauty Pitch offers up-and-coming and established companies alike the unique opportunity to present their brand, products or ideas to a panel of top investors including renowned entrepreneursJohn Paul DeJoria and Mark Cuban. Five finalists will have the chance to pitch to the panel live as part of PBA’s Business Forum on July 12, 2015, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. One winner will receive a one year mentorship from Mark Cuban and / or another will receive possible funding from a reputable private equity firm.

“The Beauty Pitch brings the concept of ABC’s Shark Tank to PBA Beauty Week giving beauty entrepreneurs access to potential financial support and mentoring from acclaimed businessmen,” says PBA Chairman, Scott Buchanan. “We are thrilled to have the support of Mark, JP and the investment community to present this unique opportunity to the professional beauty industry.”

Cuban served as the keynote speaker during PBA’s Business Forum in 2014 but this year’s event will be a first for DeJoria. To kick off the Beauty Pitch, Cuban and DeJoria will share their advice on business practices and answer questions from the audience with Buchanan serving as the moderator. The event will then be followed by the live pitches from the finalists.

“I’m thrilled to return to CPNA and PBA Beauty Week® as I have a vested interest in building my industry knowledge to further support the three beauty brands I currently own and mentoring one winning brand from the Beauty Pitch to success,” says Cuban.

The Beauty Pitch is now accepting submissions. Beauty Pitch contest entries must be submitted online by May 4, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. EDT. For official rules, entry fees and details, see beautypitch.com/rules and follow #BeautyPitch for updates. Finalists will be selected by an internal panel of judges consisting of industry professionals, program hosts and investors. The five finalists will be announced on May 22, 2015.
Ticket registration for PBA’s Business Forum, including the Beauty Pitch, will open in April ($60 for PBA members, $70 for non-members). Ticket prices include a full buffet-style breakfast, which will be served at 7:00 a.m. Cuban and DeJoria will take the stage from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. in the Mandalay Bay Ballroom on July 12, 2015.