Miller Lite competition may be opportunity for aspiring brewing entrepreneurs?

Maybe a chance for your fledgling brewery to get that Big Beer bump.

Please hear a comically rising vocal inflection to indicate our suspicious optimism as we say the following: So, Miller Lite may have a competition that could help out aspiring craft brewers? So, this contest has nothing specifically to do with breweries or brewing, but as entrepreneurs, you are eligible to compete for a $200,000 grand prize and the opportunity to pitch your business plan live in front of Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank in the Miller Lite Tap the Future competition. It’s at least better odds than the Powerball, right?

The competition started Feb. 11 and entrepreneurs can submit applications to be entered into the three-phase contest. From Feb. 11 to April 8, entrepreneurs 21 and older can apply by submitting business information here. Thirty semi-finalists will be selected to compete in live pitch events in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami during the month of July. Daymond John and a panel of experts will select one business in each city to win $20,000 and advance to the national finals.

Six national finalists will present before a panel of judges in Chicago this September, where one team will win the $200,000 grand prize.

“Miller Lite Tap the Future can open doors for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level and are willing to put in the work to do so,” said Daymond John. “I encourage entrepreneurs who are ready to get down to business and work hard to not pass up this opportunity.”

Miller Lite Tap the Future has awarded more than $1 million in funding over the last three years. Thousands enter each year, with one business crowned the top winner. The most recent grand prize winner is Brian Hill, founder of Edovo, a business that provides a self-driven educational and vocational platform to correctional institutions across the country.

“Miller Lite Tap the Future not only provides the financial insights necessary to help grow businesses, but it also puts entrepreneurs in front of people who are well respected and know what it takes to succeed,” said Steve Canal, MillerCoors community affairs. “Miller Lite’s commitment to help entrepreneurs succeed is inspired by Frederick Miller, who created the original light beer by following his passion, staying true to himself and his vision and against all odds, not giving up.”

Miller Lite Tap the Future recently received a national endorsement from the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). MillerCoors has a strong history in supporting Hispanic businesses and has previously been recognized by the USHCC for its continuing support of Hispanic business owners.