Hamilton County Office of Small Business Announces:

Pitch & Empower Event - Apply by September 6th; Presented by Hamilton County Office of Small Business, Alloy Development, African American Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Ventures, and Mortar

Pitch & Empower

A pitch event for small for-profit businesses in Hamilton County to share their story on the stage

Why

By participating in the Hamilton County Pitch & Empower event, you’ll gain invaluable pitch practice, expand your business visibility, compete for grant money, and receive specialized coaching—because it's our business to help your business thrive.

Who

The perfect candidate for the Hamilton County Pitch & Empower event is a growth-oriented small business located in Hamilton County with at least one year of operation, currently operating out of a brick-and-mortar space, has demonstrated revenue, and a commitment to expanding their business within the local community.

When

Apply online between August 12th and September 6th, 2024, to seize this opportunity to grow your business, gain visibility, and compete for valuable resources and support.

How it Works

  • Eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection committee.
  • Once semi-finalists are determined, they will be interviewed by members of the selection committee. When interviews have concluded, 8 pitch finalists will be chosen and notified of next steps.
  • Finalists will advance to educational and pitch preparation courses, led by our program partners and local experts.
  • On pitch night of October 22nd, finalists will deliver a 3-minute pitch at Memorial Hall, in front of a live audience. The pitch award information is below.

Pitch Awards

  • First Place: $5,000
  • Second Place: $3,000
  • Third Place: $1,000
  • Audience Vote: $1,000

*Please see the terms and conditions in the application to ensure you are eligible.

Eligible Small Businesses

  • Business must be for-profit entity within Hamilton County, Ohio.
  • Business must have been operational for at least one year.
  • Business must currently be open and operating.
  • Must be operating out of a commercial business "brick and mortar" location. Meaning a business which has a physical location that customers can visit in person.
  • Business must be main source of income.
  • If applicable, the business must be in good standing with the Secretary of State.
  • Have a Federal Taxpayer Identification Number for its type of business.
  • Is in compliance with federal, state, or county and local requirements applicable to its type of business, including tax payments and code enforcement.
  • Is not currently in bankruptcy or the subject of a receivership.
  • Does not have any federal, state, or local tax liens.
  • Does not have a conflict of interest. No elected officials of Hamilton County, employee, or Board member of Alloy Development Co. or any of their immediate family members may have an ownership interest in the business.

Ineligible Businesses

  • Adult entertainment
  • Check-cashing, credit unions, and/or financial institutions
  • E-Commerce only company
  • Firearms retailers
  • Franchise businesses
  • Gambling organizations
  • Government-owned entities
  • Lending/investment businesses
  • Liquor stores
  • Nonprofits
  • Pawnshops
  • Real estate businesses and/or landlords
  • Religious or political organizations
  • Smoke/cannabis or tobacco shops

Partners

Hamilton County partnered with the following organizations on this initiative:

  • African American Chamber
  • Alloy Development Co.
  • Main Street Ventures
  • MORTAR