The annual Business and Leadership Conference includes a pitch competition, hosted by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Joseph Center®. The pitch competition provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs throughout the world to showcase products and services that have a measurable kingdom impact, have the potential for commercialization and scalability, and fill a need that solves real problems in the marketplace.

Each year, individuals share their conceptual ideas, startups, and established businesses with a panel of judges in hopes of securing capital for their business. Cash prizes are awarded to the three highest-rated contestants in the final round of the pitch competition, with our first place winner receiving $10,000!  

Although the pitch competition only awards monetary prizes to those with the top three scores, much is to be gained by simply being a participant. Pitching your business or idea to a series of judges requires skill, poise, and intention. The process alone is enough to provide enormous insight to anyone looking to go before a company or organization with hopes of securing capital for your product or service.