Key Takeaways Startups worldwide want to improve their reputations, meet partners and investors and scale their business. Innovative ideas come from every corner of the globe, which makes entrepreneurship open to anyone — no matter their background, gender, race or experience. However, depending on a startup founder's location, it might be difficult to get the right level of visibility and connections to expand their business successfully. I believe that Silicon Valley , the birthplace of innovation, remains a critical center of entrepreneurship. One way to access Silicon Valley — including stakeholders that can help a startup grow — is to participate in startup competitions. Related: This Low-Cost, Low-Effort Growth Strategy Could Transform Your Company Into an Innovation Powerhouse History of Silicon Valley Silicon Valley, a term originally used by Electronic News in 1971, started with the invention of the semiconductor. It's in the South Bay of California and is now known as the center of technology innovation. San Jose is the region's largest city; the presence of highly regarded universities in the area — such as Stanford University — provides a strong foundation of research and development. Since many famous startups and technology companies started in Silicon Valley, it is also the home to Venture Capital (VC). Investors are critical to a startup's success, and it is important for founders to make connections with VC firms. Major technology companies are based here — including Intel, Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Cisco and Netflix, among others. Silicon Valley is unique due to its culture of innovation, which encourages risk-taking and even failure. Startup founders, corporate executives and investors understand the importance of exploring new ideas, even if they do not all succeed. This culture is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to be innovative in a supportive environment. As a result of the success of such companies, Silicon Valley is a wealthy region. In fact, Silicon Valley Indicators show that in 2022, the region's median household income was over $149,000 — higher than even San Francisco. It's also the home of well-known unicorns, defined as startups valued at over $1 billion. These include Open AI, SpaceX, Zoom, Miro and Anthropic. It's helpful for startups to be well-connected in Silicon Valley since this provides access to potential investors, partners, customers and employees — all of whom can help propel them to success. How startup competitions help entrepreneurs Participating in startup competitions has several benefits for entrepreneurs. At the competitions, startups will pitch their business ideas to investors, which can help them not only strengthen their pitch but also win cash prizes and/or investments. Competitions also provide critical networking opportunities to other ecosystem members. Entrepreneurs typically learn a great deal from fellow entrepreneurs, participating investors and corporate executives who are participating. Startup competitions give entrepreneurs visibility, which is important for their personal reputations and their company's. Pitches are typically done on-stage in front of a large audience; the audience will be even larger if the competition is broadcast virtually. High-profile journalists normally attend startup competitions, which gives founders the opportunity to interview and be part of published articles — spreading their visibility further. Related: How a Seasoned Silicon Valley Veteran Keeps Innovation at the Forefront of Business Startup competitions in Silicon Valley Based on my experience, several competitions in Silicon Valley come to mind that will benefit entrepreneurs. Startup Grind is a well-known conference that gives startups the opportunity to pitch their ideas, gather feedback and set up meetings with investors. The Startup World Cup (SWC), started by Pegasus Tech Ventures — a well-regarded VC firm — hosts about 100 regional competitions around the world. SWC is recognized by Google and ChatGPT as the largest startup competition in the world. It culminates in a Grand Finale during which the grand prize winner receives a $1 million investment. TechCrunch Disrupt is another popular conference that gives entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their ideas and network with startup ecosystem members. Prestigious universities near Silicon Valley provide not only centers of research and development; they also host well-regarded business plan competitions. The Haas School at the University of California Berkeley is home to the BerkeleyHaas Entrepreneurship Program . The program, well-regarded by the academic and technology communities, hosts the University of California Startup Accelerator, the Venture Capital Investment Competition and the Hult Prize Competition. Meanwhile, Stanford University in Palo Alto is home to the Business Association of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students ( BASES ), which aims to enable entrepreneurship at the university. Its annual Challenge attracts more than 250 startups from around the globe to compete for cash prizes. Advice for entrepreneurs When speaking to startup founders in all regions of the world, I typically advise them to tap into the strength of Silicon Valley. This region, historically the center of technology innovation , remains critical due to its strong startup ecosystem. Many startups, corporations, VCs and media are based there. Even if a startup is based elsewhere, it's smart to tap into the power and network of Silicon Valley by participating in startup competitions. This enables founders to refine their pitch , gather valuable feedback, increase visibility and network with potential partners, suppliers, customers and investors. This effort is well worth the time and expense, given its potential to expand a startup's presence and scale it rapidly. Doing so will help bring its innovative ideas forward to benefit the world. Related: 5 Ways Startups Can Increase Their Visibilitypromo code haha777 。

Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”

Mason Falslev scores 25, grabs 12 rebounds to lead Utah State to 77-69 victory over Iowa

Georgetown is set to play its first road game of the season while West Virginia attempts to build off its successful 2-1 trip to the Bahamas when the former conference rivals meet on Friday in Morgantown, W. Va., as part of the Big 12-Big East Battle. Picked 13th out of 16 in the Big 12 preseason coaches' poll, West Virginia (5-2) has been riding the hot shooting of Javon Small and Tucker DeVries. Small averages a team-high 19 points and shoots 41.3 percent on 3-pointers while DeVries adds 14.9 points per game and hits on 46.9 percent of his threes. Every basket was needed last week as the Mountaineers upset then-No. 3 Gonzaga and then-No. 24 Arizona with a loss to Louisville sandwiched in between. All three contests went into overtime, believed to be a first in program history. First-year coach Darian DeVries, who led Drake to three NCAA Tournaments in the last four seasons, had never seen anything like it. "I've never been a part of three games like that, especially with the quality of opponents that we went up these last three days," he said after the Arizona win. "Just incredible resolve and grit and toughness from our group all three nights." Georgetown has started 7-1 for the first time since the 2018-19 season and has done so with a completely revamped roster that includes 14 freshmen or sophomores. As a result of an inexperienced squad, coach Ed Cooley specifically delayed the Hoyas' first trip out of the nation's capital. "Obviously, the competition is going to change," Cooley said after the Hoyas defeated UMBC 86-62 on Monday. "We systematically scheduled this way to build confidence, continuity and chemistry and let our players feel what it is to win, and that's something hopefully that will have some carryover as we now get ready to head out on the road for the first time." Since losing to Notre Dame on Nov. 16, Georgetown has won five straight games by an average of 25.2 points. Thomas Sorber leads the Hoyas in scoring at 15.8 points per game and leads the conference in rebounding at 8.9 per game. Sorber was named as the Big East Freshman of the Week for the third time in four weeks. Georgetown holds the narrowest of leads in the all-time series at 27-26. The two schools met 27 times between 1995 and 2012 as league foes. The Mountaineers captured their lone Big East Championship in 2010 by defeating the Hoyas 60-58 at Madison Square Garden. --Field Level MediaEPA hails 'revitalized' enforcement efforts as Biden administration closes

Walmart employees now wearing body cameras in some storesOliver Glasner declared Crystal Palace are on the right path after they finally broke their away duck with a 1-0 win at Ipswich. Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”

Ituka scores 18 off the bench, Jacksonville State downs East Carolina 86-78JACKSONVILLE STATE 86, EAST CAROLINA 785 Offline Apps Every Traveler Needs For Stress-Free JourneysNone

Sirkka joins the executive team to elevate recruitment strategies and advance growth in travel nursing and healthcare staffing nationwide OMAHA, Neb. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Solutions , a leader in healthcare staffing and talent innovation, has appointed Kerry Sirkka as Chief Recruitment Officer to spearhead transformative recruitment strategies and drive growth. She has more than 20 years of experience as a seasoned, award-winning healthcare executive with a proven track record in expansion, progress, and operational transformation across healthcare staffing and technology sectors. Sirkka has deep experience in travel, local, per diem, locums, and digital staffing. She has held key roles, foundationally spending nearly two decades leading recruitment operations at AMN Healthcare and taking on key transformational initiatives. She later moved to Head of Caregiver Experience at TheKey, where she drove operational efficiencies across 100 locations, and most recently, to Chief Delivery Officer at IntelyCare, where she managed operations and services to grow the company's healthcare platform. "We're happy to welcome Kerry to our team," said Rebecca Rogers Tijerino , CEO of Medical Solutions . "She brings extensive expertise in recruitment strategy and a proven ability to drive innovation. Her success in building high-performing teams and fostering growth will play a key role in connecting top clinicians with healthcare systems and advancing patient care nationwide." Her professional accomplishments extend beyond the workplace. She is an active member of the American Staffing Association , the American College of Healthcare Executives, and other influential organizations. Her accolades include multiple President's Forum Awards for exceptional performance and nominations for the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Staffing and The American Staffing Association Volunteer of the Year. "I'm excited to join Medical Solutions and contribute to its mission of connecting healthcare facilities with exceptional talent," said Sirkka. "I look forward to working with this talented team to create solutions that meet the changing needs of clients and clinicians." Sirkka's appointment underscores Medical Solutions' dedication to leading the healthcare staffing industry by delivering comprehensive solutions that empower clinicians and support healthcare systems nationwide. ABOUT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS Medical Solutions is one of the nation's largest healthcare talent ecosystems — connecting nurses, allied health clinicians, and clinical leaders with healthcare facilities across the U.S. Its service offerings include contingent staffing, managed services, strike staffing, local contract, PRN, and domestic and international direct hire. For more information, visit www.medicalsolutions.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kerry-sirkka-joins-medical-solutions-as-chief-recruitment-officer-302321558.html SOURCE Medical Solutions LLCDetroit Lions show Chicago Bears what they’re lacking in handing them 9th straight lossNeuroMetrix to be Acquired by electroCore

Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stock indexes are rising in afternoon trading on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 29 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.8%. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction. Many Americans have come to rely on Chinese-made drones. Now lawmakers want to ban them WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic and technological rivalry between the U.S. and China has come to the drone market, where Chinese-made flying devices are a dominant player in America. Lawmakers in Washington are seeking to ban new sales of Chinese-made drones, arguing they could be used to spy on Americans and that the low-cost models are hurting the U.S. drone industry. But U.S. users — spanning from police officers to farmers to mappers and filmmakers — have come to rely on Chinese-made drones, especially those by DJI Technology, for their work or lives. Florida has banned Chinese drones in state-funded programs, but also appropriated $25 million to help offset replacement costs.Georgetown is set to play its first road game of the season while West Virginia attempts to build off its successful 2-1 trip to the Bahamas when the former conference rivals meet on Friday in Morgantown, W. Va., as part of the Big 12-Big East Battle. Picked 13th out of 16 in the Big 12 preseason coaches' poll, West Virginia (5-2) has been riding the hot shooting of Javon Small and Tucker DeVries. Small averages a team-high 19 points and shoots 41.3 percent on 3-pointers while DeVries adds 14.9 points per game and hits on 46.9 percent of his threes. Every basket was needed last week as the Mountaineers upset then-No. 3 Gonzaga and then-No. 24 Arizona with a loss to Louisville sandwiched in between. All three contests went into overtime, believed to be a first in program history. First-year coach Darian DeVries, who led Drake to three NCAA Tournaments in the last four seasons, had never seen anything like it. "I've never been a part of three games like that, especially with the quality of opponents that we went up these last three days," he said after the Arizona win. "Just incredible resolve and grit and toughness from our group all three nights." Georgetown has started 7-1 for the first time since the 2018-19 season and has done so with a completely revamped roster that includes 14 freshmen or sophomores. As a result of an inexperienced squad, coach Ed Cooley specifically delayed the Hoyas' first trip out of the nation's capital. "Obviously, the competition is going to change," Cooley said after the Hoyas defeated UMBC 86-62 on Monday. "We systematically scheduled this way to build confidence, continuity and chemistry and let our players feel what it is to win, and that's something hopefully that will have some carryover as we now get ready to head out on the road for the first time." Since losing to Notre Dame on Nov. 16, Georgetown has won five straight games by an average of 25.2 points. Thomas Sorber leads the Hoyas in scoring at 15.8 points per game and leads the conference in rebounding at 8.9 per game. Sorber was named as the Big East Freshman of the Week for the third time in four weeks. Georgetown holds the narrowest of leads in the all-time series at 27-26. The two schools met 27 times between 1995 and 2012 as league foes. The Mountaineers captured their lone Big East Championship in 2010 by defeating the Hoyas 60-58 at Madison Square Garden. --Field Level Media

NEW YORK , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV ) in connection with Southwest Airlines' information technology infrastructure impacting the Company's business, operations, and stock price. If you currently own shares of Southwest Airlines stock, please visit the firm's website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=10716 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at [email protected] . Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40 th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.Oklahoma State's 3-point accuracy sends Miami to defeat

Another American-based big-leaguer is kicking in cash to incoming 's January inaugural fund. ., headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, will donate $1 million as well as a fleet of vehicles for the festivities, a spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY Monday. Earlier this month, told reporters his leadership team is carefully watching for policy changes in Washington but isn’t panicked about Trump returning to the presidency, The Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network reported. It was not immediately known what vehicles Ford plans to donate to the Jan. 20 inauguration at the United States Capitol. But during a press event at Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Farley said Ford expects changes in tariffs, emissions regulations and tax . “After 120 years, we’re pretty experienced with policy change,” Farley said, adding nearly 14% of Ford’s November sales in the U.S. were hybrid or electric vehicles. “I think Ford is very well-positioned." During past visits to Michigan, Trump has met with . Almost one out of five vehicles in Ford's lineup globally is now a hybrid or electric vehicle, Farley said earlier this month. "What I’m excited about is working with the administration to make sure that we’re rewarded for our commitment to America and Michigan," he said. “Ford’s employment profile and importance in the U.S. economy and manufacturing, you can imagine the administration will be very interested in Ford’s point of view." Other companies including Jeff Bezos’ Amazon and social media giant Meta, the owner of , have donated millions to inauguration. donated $1 million, USA TODAY reported earlier this month. Zuckerberg has sought to repair his relationship with the incoming president and other Republican leaders over the last few months after he received backlash nearly four years ago for on Meta’s platforms following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Billionaire Bezos said he would also give $1 million, . It was not immediately known how much Trump has raised for his upcoming inauguration, but he raised a record for his 2017 launch while President Joe Biden raised more than $61 billion for his 2021 inauguration fund.

Dolly Parton is encouraging performers of all ages to audition for a musical show encapsulating her journey. The Grammy-winning country legend has announced a nationwide casting search for a play titled Dolly: An Original Musical . In a video posted to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Parton made the announcement and explained the auditioning process as clips from all stages of her career played. "I want to give you the chance to help me bring my story to Broadway — and maybe even play me!" Parton said, encouraging everyone to try out for the opportunity. "This show is a celebration of my music, my life, and all the amazing people who've been with me along the way," she continued. “We're looking for talented performers who can capture the spirit of my journey, whether you're an experienced theater professional or an undiscovered gem with that little special something." A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton) A press release from the show elaborated that the musical is looking for "performers of all ages to portray Parton at different stages of her incredible life." Applicants are required to record a one-minute video of themselves singing their favorite Parton song and post it to social media with the tag #SearchForDolly. Applicants must also complete the application form on the musical's site. The application window will close on January 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET and evaluation of the candidates will begin. The Dolly: An Original Musical casting team will then invite any promising applicants to New York City for a formal audition process. In January, Parton got candid about her dream to have a Broadway show about her life. “Right now, I'm working on my life story as a musical, and so going on Broadway and opening my show on Broadway, that's been a biggie [goal] in my mind for many, many years,” she told People Magazine at the time. “That'd be the one that I want to make certain I get done while I'm still kicking, while I'm around to stay involved in it.” The Broadway bio musical will be packed with both classic Parton songs and new releases she wrote specifically for the show.Exclusive-Intel approaches candidates for CEO role, including former board member Lip-Bu Tan, sources say