VSEDC is now accepting applications for our signature 60-second pitch competition for Latino startup and small businesses.
Application deadline to pitch is August 31.
Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation launched its Small Business Spotlight Series and pitch competition in February to celebrate Black-owned business, followed by women-owned businesses in March. We are now accepting applications from our Latinx community of startup and small businesses for our signature 60-second business pitch competition on October 6.
Eligibility
Startups and small businesses that are 51% Latino-owned and based in Los Angeles County are eligible to apply.
Categories, Cash Prizes & Audience Choice Award
The online event will feature leaders from two categories – 3 startup businesses, and 3 small businesses – who will compete against each other for cash prizes starting at $1,500. Traditional and non-traditional lenders will be the deciding judges for first ($1,500), second ($1,000) and third ($500) place. To date, our bilingual judges represent Citi, Union Bank, CTBC Bank, Preferred Bank, and VSEDC’s own CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution).
The online audience will also get to vote in the Audience Choice Award. The winner will walk away with an extra $500.
Bilingual event offers free pitch training for finalists
The event is a bilingual event. Finalists will be able to choose whether they want to pitch in English or Spanish. All finalists will receive 2 hours of free pitch training, which will include a mandatory cohort class and a one-on-one hour session with a bilingual pitch coach.
Apply to pitch
To apply to pitch, first register here. When you finish your registration, you will receive both a confirmation screen and a confirmation email with the link to the pitch application.
Please note: applying to pitch does not automatically enter you in the competition. Our team of business coaches will evaluate the applications and choose the 6 finalists and 4 runners up.
To attend the event, register here. VSEDC’s Events Team will send you the Zoom link to attend as we get closer to the event.
Questions? Email us at hq@vsedc.org or call us at (323) 752-2335