Pitch Your Small Business for a Chance to Win Grant Money

Do you have an idea for a start-up business? Are you an entrepreneur chasing a dream? You may be eligible to win a grant from Rio Salado College! Rio Salado College, in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), is helping students follow through on their ambitions through our Small Business Pitch event. This contest will award student entrepreneurs with grant-funded prizes to help them take their small businesses to the next level.

The deadline for submitting an application is October 15th. Read on below for the award, eligibility, and submission requirements.

Awards

Small Business Pitch winners are eligible to receive the following:

• 1st place - $2,000
• 2nd place - $1,250
• 3rd place - $750
• 4th place - $250

The award money is reimbursement for eligible business expenses, which may include website setup/maintenance costs, legal fees, marketing, social media boosting, and buying necessary equipment and supplies.

Eligibility

Applicants must be Rio students. You must be currently enrolled in at least 3 credit hours. This pitch event is open to students from any major. If accepted, you must be willing to meet with a  Rio Salado Faculty mentor within 30 days of selection.

Submission Requirements

Applicants will need to submit an application. If chosen to compete, applicants will submit a 5-minute pitch video. You’ll need to upload several documents as part of the application process. Before you begin your submission, make sure you have the following on hand:

• Proof of IRS Tax ID number (EIN)
• Proof of setup of Legal Entity through Arizona Corporation Commission (LLC, Corporation, Non-Profit Corporation), Business License, or other State Organization
• Simple Business Plan

Ready to get started?

• Complete and submit your application today.
• Learn more details on the Small Pitch webpage.
• If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Lily Davidov at [email protected].