What is the Business Pitch Competition?
Do you have a business idea or an early-stage small business that needs funding? Apply for the opportunity to pitch for funding to start or support your small business! The Entrepreneurship Center at West Valley College will be holding our Spring 2026 Business Pitch Competition on May 4, 2026 where you can present a pitch for up to a $5,000 grant for your small business.
In addition to the competition, the Entrepreneurship Center will host a series of workshops open to all students interested in learning small business skills on Mondays, 3–4 p.m. in CHE 126, March 16–April 27, 2026.
Business Pitch Competition Important Dates
Applications to pitch are due April 15, 2026. Submit a Business Pitch Competition Application.Business Pitch Competition: May 4, 2026 at 2-5 p.m. in-person at CHE 122/124
What Help or Resources Are There to Help Prepare My Pitch?
| Date | Time | Location | Workshop/Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2026 | 3-4 p.m. | CHE 122/124 | Kick-Off/Business Idea Workshop |
| March 23, 2026 | 3-4 p.m. | CHE 122/124 | Business Model Canvas Workshop |
| April 6, 2026 | 3-4 p.m. | CHE 122/124 | Budgeting/Finance Workshop |
| April 13, 2026 | 3-4:30 p.m. | CHE 122/124 | Business Model Canvas Coaching/Work Session |
| April 20, 2026 | 3-4 p.m. | CHE 122/124 | Sales and Communication Workshop |
| April 27, 2026 | 3-5 p.m. | CHE 122/124 | Coaching and Feedback Session |
| May 4, 2026 | 2-5 p.m. | CHE 122/124 | Business Pitch Competition |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Monday, May 4, 2026, 2-5 p.m. in-person at CHE 122/124, on the West Valley College Campus.
- Open to all current West Valley College students of all majors/departments
- Individuals or teams with a business idea or an early-stage business that need funding
- Commitment to launch business within the next six months
- Application submitted by April 15, 2026
- Availability to pitch in person in CHE 122/124 on May 4, 2026
You will need to complete an application by April 15th. Apply with your West Vally College email address here: Business Pitch Competition Application. You will need to fill out all of the questions in addition to submitting a Business Model Canvas and drafted budget plan for the funding requested.
There will be limited slots available, so all applicants may not be able to pitch for funding on May 4, 2026 depending on volume.
Applicants will be notified the week of April 20, 2026 if their application to pitch was accepted to pitch on May 4, 2026 for funding.
If you are not accepted to pitch for funding, you can still do a pitch for feedback and practice with coaches and mentors on April 27, 2026.
Each business will have six minutes to pitch their business idea and three minutes for questions from the judges. It will be a timed presentation. Feel free to bring in prototypes, demos, slides—be creative!
In the pitch, you should aim to cover:
- Problem and Need - Define the need your business is fulfilling
- Audience and Customer - Describe who your target customers are and how you will reach them
- Solution and Value Proposition - Clearly describe your products/services and how they address customer needs (unique value proposition)
- Feasibility and Implementation - Lay out a clear plan for execution for starting your business - goals, timeline, key activities, resources, risks, etc.
- Financial Sustainability and Use of Funds - Clearly describe how you will utilize the funding, plans for generating revenue, and understanding of expenses
Each business can request up to $5,000 in funding, clearly laid out in a budget plan submitted in the application and during the pitch for the judges. Multiple businesses may be awarded a grant during the competition depending on performance.
Businesses that receive funding will receive it in two parts. Half after the initial pitch and half after a status update showing progress towards their business goals three months later. A status update will be required to receive full funding.
Questions?
Contact us at wv.ecenterFREEWEST_VALLEY or [email protected].