The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by Clover Network, Inc. (Clover), the competition is open to eligible small businesses that represent the promise of American innovation and opportunity, and who have utilized qualifying SBA capital products – including SBIR or STTR awardees and recipients of SBIC investments.
Small business owners interested in competing should submit their pitch by 11:59 pm ET June 10 through their local SBA District Office. Additional details on eligibility, competition stages, and event programming can be found at sba.gov/freedom250.
The Patriot Pitch Competition will progress through four stages of judging, with submissions evaluated on:
- strengthening American competitiveness
- innovating and demonstrating an outsized impact within an industry
- delivering economic opportunity and quality jobs
- showing strong fundamentals and execution readiness
The competition will culminate in a one-day finals event in Washington, D.C., to be held in September, where the top finalists will pitch live before a panel of notable judges and a national audience for national recognition and the opportunity to win a share of the $1 million prize pool funded by Clover.
In addition to the live competition, the Patriot Pitch finals event will feature prominent speakers from business, government, and industry, a supplier matchmaking expo connecting small businesses with larger companies and contracting opportunities, and networking opportunities with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers. Learn more at sba.gov/freedom250
