PICNIC stimulates business growth and innovation with launch of the PICNIC Business Program

Online, August 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - AMSTERDAM - PICNIC introduces the new PICNIC Business Program

In less than five weeks, the new PICNIC Business Program will be unveiled at PICNIC '10. Now more than ever, ideas and creativity are not enough to ensure the growth and success of ambitious young
companies. Great exposure, advice, support and a network of experts and partners can give these companies the necessary boost to take their business to the next level.

The PICNIC Business Program is a series of new and expanded sessions focused specifically on creating and fostering business. It offers support to small and medium-sized businesses looking to
learn, grow and innovate at all stages of their lifecycle, whether they are just starting out, expanding or fully established. The key elements of the PICNIC Business Program include PICNIC Pitch Night, Pitch Training, the Chamber of Commerce Marketplace, and Business Masterclasses.

PICNIC PITCH Night is a new showcase dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses learn and grow by making connections, gaining exposure and getting expert advice. Twelve selected companies will present their product or service to a panel of experts, who will offer personalized recommendations to each company. In addition to participating in PICNIC Pitch Night, the selected companies will receive Pitch Training from Boom Chicago and entrance to a PICNIC Business Masterclass, as well as potential new partnerships and investment offers. The best performer at PICNIC Pitch Night will also have the opportunity to present to the entire PICNIC audience later in the week, a
consulting session with Ernst & Young and tickets to the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Event. Submissions for PICNIC Pitch Night are being accepted until 8 September 2010.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/a/picnicnetwork.org/viewform?formkey=dGtseUFELXlHZVRMNFNiVS1oU3BiYkE6MQ

Companies can improve their presentation skills and learn to position their business more effectively with PICNIC Pitch Training, led by Amsterdam's own Boom Chicago. PICNIC Pitch Training is open to participants of PICNIC Pitch Night as well as any other PICNIC attendees interested in improving their pitch skills.

The Chamber of Commerce Marketplace is the place for creative and innovative small businesses to show off their talents, gain exposure and expand their network. In line with the theme of PICNIC '10 -"Redesign the World" - it will feature dynamic young companies making a difference in the areas of life, design, cities, and media. The Chamber of Commerce and Syntens have already reviewed 200 submissions for this year's event, and have selected 75 exciting companies to participate.

The new Business Masterclasses offer entrepreneurs an opportunity for in-depth discussions on business challenges and solutions with experts and their peers. The Exceptional Enterprise Masterclass, hosted by Ernst & Young, explores the distinctive mix of key attributes that market leaders and innovators draw upon to overcome challenges and accelerate growth. The Marketing and Brand Building Masterclass, led by David Polinchock, draws on his expertise in helping companies find innovative ways to create compelling, authentic and relevant brand experiences.

According to PICNIC's Managing Director Nicolette Vink:

"PICNIC has always been committed to supporting new ideas and new business. This year, we are expanding upon that commitment with the launch of the PICNIC Business Program. We are constantly impressed by the variety of talented young companies we encounter at PICNIC, and we are excited to offer them new platforms to help grow their businesses and networks."

The PICNIC Business Program will take place during PICNIC '10, from 22 to 24 September at the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam.

The PICNIC Business Program is made possible in part by the enthusiasm and support of our partners, including Ernst & Young, the Chamber of Commerce and SII.