The application deadline for IMPACT Pitch is fast approaching! Apply for free now through June 30th for a chance at numerous grants and cash prizes. Twenty-Six cash prizes throughout all rounds of the competition will be awarded to worthy applicants. On the other hand, three additional $5,000 grand prizes will be awarded in the live virtual pitch event in October!
If you know a business you think should take part, nominate a business owner who wants to launch or grow an awesome business through June 26th.
IMPACT Pitch is a chance for idea-phase, startup, or existing businesses with a strong business plan/idea and a focus on positively impacting their communities to win cash prizes totaling $30,000. The competition structure allows Business Impact NW to distribute as much money to as many businesses as possible. There is a critical need for financial support and technical assistance for our small business community. Especially as we emerge from the pandemic and we want IMPACT Pitch to help provide that support.
For idea-phase businesses and pre-revenue startups:
IMPACT Pitch provides an opportunity to research and test out your concept. Present your business model concept and community impact for a chance at one of 12 $500 business model awards in Round 1. Prove out the feasibility of your concept for a chance at an additional $800 finalist grant and the opportunity to pitch your idea against other startups for the $5,000 idea/startup grand prize.
For early-stage businesses
IMPACT Pitch provides an opportunity to jumpstart your business as we proceed through states’ reopening phases. Firstly, present your business or adapted business model for a chance at one of the $500 business model awards in Round 1. Secondly, demonstrate the feasibility of your business for a chance at one of the 10 $800 finalist grants. In addition, compete for the opportunity to pitch against other early-stage businesses for the $5,000 early-stage grand prize.
For established businesses
IMPACT Pitch is an opportunity for the funding of your business strategy pivots, safe start plans, or growth strategies. Present your current business model and community impact for a chance at one of the $500 business model awards in Round 1. After that, show the strength and feasibility of your business for a chance at an $800 finalist grant. Plus the opportunity to pitch against other established businesses for the third $5,000 grand prize.
In addition to the cash prizes, everyone who applies and continues through contest rounds will get something just as valuable. Personal business coaching, powerful new tools for more effective business planning and strategy, plus more. We offer a host of practical insights and tools to help small business owners become their most successful selves.
- Business Model Awards (Round 1): $500 to 2 finalists from each business owner focus: women, people of color, immigrant/refugee, LGBTQ+, veteran, and rural
- Finalist Grants (Round 2): $800 to all 10 finalists
- Grand Prizes (Round 3): $5000 each for Established, Early Stage, Idea/Startup Businesses
- Audience Favorite Video Award: $1000
Complete Rules and Regulations can be found here.
About the author
Henry Wong
Henry Wong is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Systems and Information Engineering. Prior to joining the Business Impact NW team, he spent 7 years working in the Strategy group at CarMax developing and implementing inventory and buying strategies. Following his time at CarMax, he spent 3 years running his own mobile food truck business and consulting other mobile food start-ups in Tennessee. After selling his food truck, he moved to Seattle where he worked briefly with a food delivery tech startup. He did contract work for some local nonprofit organizations, including Business Impact NW, before joining the organization full-time. Having grown up around a family-owned restaurant and as a former entrepreneur, Henry understands the unique challenges that small business owners face. He also knows their advantages and the incredible value they can bring. Henry is passionate about leveraging his extensive experiences in strategy and operations to support clients in any stage of their business and strategic planning from concept to growth.