WASHINGTON – Small business owners across America will compete this summer for $175,000 in prize money and national recognition in a pitch competition hosted by SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer professional business mentors. The competition celebrates the organization's 60th anniversary. Founded in 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit their businesses.
SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of industry experts and win up to $20,000, plus gain the knowledge and skills they need to take their business to new heights, all for free.
The nationwide competition will include an online/virtual competition as well as in-person pitch events in Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles and Des Moines, Iowa. Top presentations at each of the five events will receive cash prizes of $20,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third place from the event's major sponsor, Global Atlantic Financial Group.
In preparation for the pitch competition, SCORE is offering three free educational webinars offering expert guidance to small business owners on how to craft a compelling pitch, raise capital, and grow their business. The webinars will be offered live at 1pm ET on the following dates and will also be available on-demand for registrants:
Applications are now open for the SCORE 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition. For rules, eligibility, and how to apply, please visit the competition page on the SCORE website. The application deadline is July 31, 2024.
Accepted participants will be paired with a SCORE mentor who will guide them through the pitch process, review their business plan and help them prepare their pitch. SCORE mentors are volunteers with years of business experience who provide confidential, free small business counseling. Finalists will be invited to pitch live in one of the four host cities or virtually in front of a panel of judges for a chance to win funding and national exposure.
Javier and Jasmine Huertas, owners of Cusina Maya Cookware in Chesterland, Ohio, participated in SCORE's pitch competition in 2022. Of their experience, the two said, “Not only did we receive great mentorship, but it helped us hone in on our message and brand and perfect our elevator pitch. SCORE always had our back, giving us the tools, support and opportunities we would never have found on our own.”