Pitch it to Win it!

$20k in total pitch grants

Are you a Black Indigenous People Of Color (BIPOC) Entrepreneur operating your business in Riley, Geary, or Pottawatomie counties with at least a 51% ownership stake in your business, we want to showcase you!

Join our Equity in Motion Pitch Competition on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Showcase your products or services to a panel of business and economic development leaders and stand a chance to walk away with a share of $20,000!

Selected businesses will have a golden opportunity to pitch their business in front of an esteemed panel of judges. Be prepared, because $20,000 is on the line! Don't miss out on this opportunity.

Read the details below and apply now! Questions? Email engage@blackflinthills.com.

To be considered for the pitch competition, companies must:
• Have at least one co-founder identify as BIPOC with at least 51% of ownership
• Business must be currently in operation
• Business must be registered in Kansas
• Have strong, clearly defined business ideas, and current offerings
• Have a clear need for funding support (businesses who have not received funding this year will take priority)
• Must present slide deck.
• Must pitch in person.
• 3 minutes to pitch, 1 minute for questions
• Businesses are strongly encouraged to attend Pitch Practice on September, 22 from 6 - 9 p.m.
First place: $10,000
Second Place: $5,000
Third Place: $3,000
Fourth and Fifth place: $1,000
Using Your Prize Money for Business Operations
While winners don't receive the funds directly, the full amount must be allocated for business-related expenses. To use the funds, winners must submit a request to BEFH for any eligible purchase. BEFH will then handle the acquisition on behalf of the business within a 30-day window.
Utilizing Your Prize Fund
How many items can be procured using the award money? Entrepreneurs can continue to submit disbursement requests until the entire award sum has been used. All purchase receipts will be provided under the business name.
Deadline for Using the Funds
All allocated funds need to be fully used by November 30, 2023.
Eligible Purchases Explained
Eligible purchases are those that support business operations, such as:
- Marketing materials
- Website development
- Rent or lease payments
- Professional growth opportunities
- Training or conferences
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Business licenses, and more.
For specific inquiries related to the grant, feel free to reach out directly at: engage@blackflinthills.com.
Applications are due on Friday, Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Finalists will be notified by email by Sept. 18th.
Pitch practice will be held on Friday, September 22.
Pitch competition will take place on Saturday, September 30th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.