Small businesses invited to apply for national SBA pitch competition

Small businesses across Oklahoma still have time to apply for the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national small business competition featuring a $1 million cash prize pool. Applications are due June 10. 

The competition is open to for-profit small businesses that are based in the United States, employ fewer than 500 people and have utilized qualifying U.S. Small Business Administration capital products, including SBA-backed loans or investment programs. Businesses must also be in good standing with the federal government and operating legally within the U.S. 

According to the SBA, applicants will be evaluated on several criteria, including innovation, competitiveness, industry impact, job creation and execution readiness. The competition will move through multiple rounds before finalists make a live pitch in Washington, D.C., during a September event. 

Finalists will compete for a share of the $1 million prize pool, which is funded by Clover Network, Inc. In addition to the live pitch competition, the finals event will include networking opportunities, supplier matchmaking and connections with investors, policymakers and industry leaders. 

The opportunity comes as Oklahoma continues to see momentum in entrepreneurship and small business growth across sectors including technology, bioscience, aerospace, manufacturing and retail. 

Additional eligibility details and application information are available through the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative website, sba.gov/freedom250.