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Businesses Bettering Communities

Celebrating the entrepreneurs, stories, and businesses behind IMPACT Pitch.

That’s a wrap on IMPACT Pitch 2026

Thank you for being part of it.

On October 1, entrepreneurs, supporters, judges, sponsors, and community members came together for the 2026 IMPACT Pitch Final.

After four months of competition, coaching, and preparation, nine finalists shared the businesses they’ve built and competed for $46,000 in cash prizes.

We’re grateful to everyone who showed up, tuned in, cheered on the finalists, and helped make this year’s IMPACT Pitch possible.

Meet the 2026 winners

WinnerStartup Stage

Deanna Hoyt of TheraProfessional

TheraProfessional

Deanna Hoyt

A boutique insurance credentialing service helping mental health providers manage applications, enrollment, and ongoing credentialing without giving up a percentage of their revenue.

Visit business website →

WinnerEarly Stage

Pablo Vazquez of TJ's Street Tacos

TJ's Street Tacos

Pablo Vazquez

From a Capitol Hill ghost kitchen, TJ's Street Tacos serves Tijuana-style tacos and late-night favorites while working toward a permanent brick-and-mortar home.

Visit business website →

Meet the Businesses Behind the Pitches

Deanna Hoyt of TheraProfessional

TheraProfessional

Deanna Hoyt

Startup or Idea Stage

A boutique insurance credentialing service helping mental health providers manage applications, enrollment, and ongoing credentialing without giving up a percentage of their revenue.

Visit business website →

Alexandra Kusherets of MobileREMS by Longevia

MobileREMS by Longevia

Alexandra Kusherets

Startup or Idea Stage

A mobile bone-health service using FDA-cleared radiofrequency ultrasound to bring bone density, bone quality, and fracture-risk testing directly to clinics and communities.

Visit business website →

Parvati Patil of Tiny Traditions, LLC

Tiny Traditions, LLC

Parvati Patil

Early Stage

Tiny Traditions creates celebration boxes for children with stories, crafts, recipes, music, and activities that bring holidays and family traditions to life.

Visit business website →

Pablo Vazquez of TJ's Street Tacos

TJ's Street Tacos

Pablo Vazquez

Early Stage

From a Capitol Hill ghost kitchen, TJ's Street Tacos serves Tijuana-style tacos and late-night favorites while working toward a permanent brick-and-mortar home.

Visit business website →

Joshua Yocum of Crutch Carries LLC

Crutch Carries LLC

Joshua Yocum

Established Stage

Crutch Carries creates practical carrying solutions that attach to crutches, helping people transport everyday items while keeping their hands where they need them.

Visit business website →

Kaniz Shah of Silk and Stone Inc

Silk and Stone Inc

Kaniz Shah

Established Stage

A Portland holistic day spa offering botanical facials, herbal hair color, threading, henna, handmade products, and beauty education rooted in natural practices.

Visit business website →

2026 Community Impact Award Winners

Prizes & Awards

Audience watching IMPACT Pitch in a large event room

Grand prizes

$10,000 each

One grand prize in each business-stage category: Best Startup Business, Best Early Stage Business, and Best Established Business.

Finalist grants

$1,000 each

Each of the nine 2026 finalists received a $1,000 grant.

Best Marketing Video

Additional $1,000

Awarded at the October 1, 2026 live pitch event.

Community Impact Awards

Five $1,000 awards

Recognizing businesses that complete the first two rounds and present compelling narratives of community impact.

Explore IMPACT Pitch

2026 recap

Look back at the finalists, winners, and IMPACT Pitch’s 11th celebration.

Read the recap →

IMPACT Pitch highlights

Explore stories featuring previous finalists, winners, and their competition journeys.

View the stories →

2026 Presenting Sponsor

2026 Opportunity Sponsors

2026 Community Sponsors

2026 In-Kind Sponsors

Sustaining Partners

This is a grey bar

Interested in being an Event Sponsor? Contact [email protected]

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