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This summer, be a part of SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition and pitch your business to a panel of industry experts. Compete for a chance to win up to $20,000 for your business and receive invaluable mentorship and exposure along the way.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and secure the support you need to succeed!
PREMIER SPONSOR
The 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition is designed for small business owners who want to improve their presentation and selling skills. Participants will receive valuable insights and guidance from SCORE mentors and industry experts, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver a compelling pitch for this event and for prospective customers and investors.
SCORE will host five pitch competitions across the country. The competitions will be held in the following locations:
- Philadelphia, PA - Wednesday, August 28th
- Des Moines, IA - Thursday, September 12th
- Online/ Virtual Competition - September 17, 18 and 19
- Los Angeles, CA - Thursday, September 26th
- Houston, TX - Thursday, October 3
Three winners will be selected from each of the competitions.
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the top three pitches will receive financial awards for their businesses:
- 1st place: donated by Global Atlantic Financial Group
- 2nd place: donated by Global Atlantic Financial Group
- 3rd place: donated by Principal Financial Group
These competitions are not just about winning; they're designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate your business, while also providing an opportunity to secure growth funding.
Step 1: Watch the Pitch Training Webinars
The pitch program includes three educational webinars for small business owners to learn how to pitch, get funding and grow their businesses. Register now for these live and on-demand webinars:
You can also watch the on-demand SCORE webinar, "How to Create a Product Pitch That Sells."
Step 2: Apply and Prepare Your Pitch
Complete the pitch application in either a downloadable PDF or online form on or before 11:59 PM Eastern on July 31, 2024. You can also email your completed PDF application to pitchevent@scorevolunteer.org.
In this application, you'll share key details about your product or service business.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by an expert panel. If approved, you'll be paired with a SCORE Pitch Expert who will review your application and provide tips for a strong pitch presentation.
You don't need to have your pitch ready yet. Your mentor will assist you in creating it.
Step 3: Record Your Pitch Presentation
Create a 2-3 minute video presenting your best business pitch. This video will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the top ten submissions in each of the four locations to progress to the final round, plus the top 25 product business pitches and top 25 service business pitches for the virtual competition.
Ensure your video pitch is engaging and concise and showcases the unique value of your product or service.
Step 4: Pitch Your Business Live
If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to present in front of a live audience and judging panel to compete for a financial award for your business.
You can present your live pitch in one of the four host cities—Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles or Des Moines—or you can present it virtually.
Don’t miss out on your chance to master the art of persuasion and become a success story!
Global Atlantic Financial Group
Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures. The company's performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR's investment capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR's parent company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR).
Click the links below to access materials for the event:
- Educational webinars to help you develop your pitch:
- Submit the PDF application through the online form.
- Send questions to pitchevent@scorevolunteer.org.
Definition
The 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition (Hereafter "pitch competition") is designed for small business owners who want to improve their presentation and selling skills. Participants will receive valuable insights and guidance from SCORE mentors and industry experts, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver a compelling pitch for this event and prospective customers and investors.
Location
SCORE will host five pitch competitions across the country. The competitions will be held in the following locations: Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX; Des Moines, IA; Los Angeles, CA; Online (Virtual Competition).
Eligibility Criteria
The pitch competition is open to all applicants who meet the following criteria:
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The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
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The applicant must have an operating business. Applicants in the prestart, concept or ideation stage of business will not be considered.
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The applicant's existing business must be based within the US.
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The applicant must not participate in any other SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition.
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The applicant must submit their application by the given pitch competition deadline.
Additionally, each participant must be a SCORE client or prospective client to be eligible to receive an award. All applicants will be paired with a mentor to meet these criteria.
Judging Criteria
The judges will evaluate your pitch on the following criteria:
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Great presentation
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Great brand identification
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Great product/service
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Fully thought-out business plan for success
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A clear pathway to scalability and growth
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Product/service is unique and viable to the market
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Sustainability/environmental/ social impact, if applicable
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Financial results
Rating/Scoring System
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Well above standard. Outstanding execution: content and/or strategies are comprehensive, thoughtful, and very well-researched.
★ ★ ★ ★ Above standards. Well executed; content and/or strategies are developed, clear and well researched.
★ ★ ★ Meets standards. Includes essential components; content and/or strategies are evident; most components are relatively clear and researched.
★ ★ Below standards. Missing essential components; content and/or strategies are not evident; components are unclear; does not contain relevant content or research.
★ Well below standards. Major flaws or section missing.
Award Availability and Distribution
Three (3) winners will be selected from each of the competitions.
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1st place receives $20,000.
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2nd place receives $10,000.
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3rd place receives $5,000.
Awards and prizes will be distributed as checks by the sponsor.
Disclaimers and Releases
Confidentiality - SCORE, its members, affiliates, and participants do not guarantee protection of the confidential information and plans presented at the pitch competition. As such, any information a contestant considers confidential should not be presented at the pitch competition.
Endorsement - Any funding or investments from the pitch competition are not sponsored or endorsed by SCORE or its affiliates. Contestants are responsible for completing their due diligence before accepting any such funding.
Liability - Contestants agree to indemnify and hold harmless SCORE, its members, its affiliates and its representatives from and against any liabilities, losses, and expenses arising from their registration and participation in the pitch competition or from any funding or investments resulting from the Pitch Contest.
Photo Waiver - By providing your electronic signature on the pitch application, you permit SCORE to:
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Release information in the pitch application and any attachments to publicly share news of your relationship with SCORE and your small business successes.
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Contact you for possible media/interview opportunities to promote small business successes and SCORE’s assistance to your success.
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Use your name, business name, images, videos, quotes, and other provided information for national or local marketing campaigns, materials, and messaging.
