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SALISBURY, MD---Have a startup business and want it to grow? Get on the bus!

Salisbury University hosts the Startup Maryland bus in connection with the organization’s “Pitch Across Maryland” program at noon Wednesday, September 12, in Route 13 Parking Lot B, near Caruthers Hall.

Up to 10 qualified entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to step aboard the bus — a traveling television studio — to record a three- to five-minute pitch about their business or innovation. Videos will be divided into four categories: pharmaceutical, life sciences and health care; energy, smart grid, clean and green, and environmental; information technology, software and Internet; and “grab bag” (all others).

At the conclusion of the tour on Friday, September 28, all videos will be posted online, and Internet users will have the opportunity to vote on the best. The two top vote recipients in each category will move onto the final round, which includes an opportunity to make a presentation to a panel of experts at the Maryland Entrepreneur Expo in November.

The winner and one runner-up will receive free mentorship and automatic bids into selected 2012 venture competitions, among other prizes to be announced at the expo.

The competition is open to startup founders and chief executive, technology, operating, financial and marketing officers. Participants must be a registered business or proprietorship resident in Maryland or have a management team or location presence in the state. They also must register in advance with Startup America at and e-mail Startup Maryland at info@StartupMaryland.org to schedule a pitching opportunity.

Pitches will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For an example of the preferred pitching format, visit . No PowerPoint slides will be allowed.

For more information visit the Startup Maryland Web site at .