WESTPORT - StartUp Westport is rolling out its inaugural pitch competition, offering early-stage startups a shot at a five-figure cash prize at its grand finale on Nov. 20 at the Westport Library.

The business organization is jumping in on the trend of having such companies in early stages of development to compete for vital capital. Other such competitions in the state include The Yale Innovation Summit, Building For Equity Pitch Competition (hosted by Girls For Technology), and various university competitions like those at UConn, University of Bridgeport, Quinnipiac University, and Eastern Connecticut State University. M&T Bank has even sponsored similar events.

If you're a founder with Connecticut roots, a scalable business, and have pre-institutional funding, you can apply for the competition, according to a StartUp Westport press release.

StartUp Westport is accepting applications until 11 p.m. on Thursday, June 12. StartUps that make the cut will be notified by Thursday, June 19, followed by a special education event for participants on Thursday, June 26.

Four finalists will be picked to pitch live for the prize.