What to Expect

• We strive to provide a fun, friendly, fast-paced pitch competition experience. Competitors should arrive and check-in at the event no later than 1 hour before their scheduled pitch time.
• Slides will be preloaded. There will be a clicker available to competitors so they can advance their own slides. 
• Competitors will have 5 minutes to pitch and another 5 minutes for Q&A with the judges.
• Once the time is up, the speaker may finish his or her sentence.
• The event will adjourn at the conclusion of the pitches.
• Judges will confer in a private session after the pitch event. 
• Winners of the Business Pitch Competition will be announced during a virtual celebration event on April 4 at 6:00pm.

2023 Competition Awards

RISE Collaborative will distribute over $16,000 in prize funds through the inaugural RISE Business Pitch Competition. Businesses are eligible to compete in either the Startup or Grow category.

Startup Category: 

• Multiple $1,000 awards are available.

Grow Category:

• 1st Place: $5,000
• 2nd Place: $4,000
• 3rd Place: $3,000

Women-Owned Business Category:

The SOVA Female Founders Fund for Women-Owned Businesses is intended to provide additional support and encouragement to female entrepreneurs demonstrating perseverance in pursuing their vision.  The minimum award amount is $1,000. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% owned by a woman, as self-reported. Priority will be given to qualified entrepreneurs who demonstrate grit defined as the "perseverance and passion for long-term goals" and the ability to overcome obstacles. Businesses may win this award, whether or not they also win a Startup or Grow award.