SUNDOWN RUNDOWN COMES TO MANSFIELD SunDown RunDown is a small business pitch event founded in March 2013 in Columbus by Paul Proffitt. Proffitt-who teaches entrepreneurship at Columbus State Community College- wanted to create an opportunity for people with business ideas to connect with those in the community who might be able to help turn their plans into reality. After several sessions in the Columbus area, a chapter began in Akron, and held its first event in November, under the coordination of Katie Mang, an area entrepreneur. On February 26, 2014, Mansfield becomes the third Ohio community to host SunDown RunDow. The idea is simple: entrepreneurs and others with ideas submit an application. If chosen, they prepare for a five minute presentation followed by five minutes of questions form the audience. This enables presenters to get feedback and input from attendees in a low pressure environment. Presenters have an “ask” which may be a request for investors, but could also be a request for mentors or collaborators, or perhaps help with marketing or finding customers. The crowd usually contains investors, mentors, creative types, and other entrepreneurs. In Columbus, some of the presenters have merely been seeking some validation that their idea has merit. The Mansfield event takes place February 26, 2014 from 6-8pm at Old Bag of Nails, 625 Lexington Avenue. The area coordinator is Bob Cohen, CEO of the Braintree Business Development Center, Mansfield’s technology business incubation program. Although SunDown RunDown fits into Braintree’s goal of building up the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, Cohen stresses that SunDown RunDown is an independent community-based endeavor, not affiliated with any particular organization. Those interested in pitching can find the application and a presentation template at www.sundownrundown.org. Those interested in attending can register at the same site. The event is free of charge and open to the public, and attendees will purchase their own food and beverages. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. For questions call 419 610-5924 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .