Mid-Columbia Economic Development District has started taking applications for the third annual Gorge PitchFest, to be held May 29 at Granada Theatre in The Dalles. A group of five finalists will be selected from the applicants to pitch their entrepreneurial effort to a group of expert judges for cash awards to invest in the business. MCEDD Venture Catalyst Project Manager Jakob Lillvik says the minimum requirement to apply to take part is to be a registered business. Five prizes will be awarded totaling over $20,000. To apply for Gorge PitchFest, go to mcedd.org. Five finalists will be selected on May 1.