Co-Presented by The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and Albemarle County Economic Development
About Piedmont Pitch
The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and Albemarle County Economic Development have joined forces to offer educational programming leading to a pitch competition for local small businesses. Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Charlottesville and Albemarle can apply for an opportunity to pitch for up to $15,000 in prize money!
To be eligible to receive prize money, participants must have an active business license in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County by July 1, 2025.
Piedmont Pitch Process:
- Indicate your interest in participating in Piedmont Pitch by submitting a rough draft of your business plan by 11:59 PM on Friday, March, 14 2025. This business plan does not need to be complete, it is simply a starting point.
- Participants must meet with an advisor within 2 weeks of submitting their application or be a current client of CV SBDC.
- Participants must complete any training recommended by their advisor.
- All participants will have the opportunity to participate in the Business Essentials Training On Demand and earn the Business Essentials Training Certificate. This training is offered at no charge, courtesy of the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and Albemarle County Economic Development.
- Participants will work with their advisor to complete their business plan.
- In order to be considered to pitch for prize money, participants must submit the final version of their business plan by 11:59 PM on Wednesday April 30, 2025.
- Piedmont Pitch Finalists will be notified on Thursday, May 8th, 2025.
- Piedmont Pitch Finalists will be required to attend a Pitch Prep Class and work with their advisor to prepare for their presentation.
Final Pitch Competition will take place Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the Piedmont Ascent Small Business Conference.
Piedmont Ascent Business Conference
After an afternoon of learning and networking, the Piedmont Pitch Finalists will pitch their business in front of judges, other business owners and the community for an opportunity to win up to $15,000 in prize money. Learn more about the Piedmont Ascent Business Conference.
Business Essentials Training and Certificate
The Central Virginia SBDC Business Essentials Training (BET) program is ever changing, offering current insights and tools for new founders and those growing their businesses. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs to launch or expand with confidence while gaining insights for effective and efficient operations.
The Business Essentials Certificate is offered to those by attending the training sessions, completing homework, and meeting with a SBDC Advisor. These requirements work in tandem with the program to prepare a winning business plan and pitch.
Learn more about the Business Essentials Training program and certificate
Piedmont Pitch FAQ
Who is eligible to participate?
Existing small businesses or new start-ups opening in Charlottesville and Albemarle.
To be eligible to receive prize money, participants must have an active business license in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County by July 1, 2025.
How will participants be selected to pitch for prize money?
Completed business plans will be scored by a panel of judges based on this judging criteria. The top 6 business plans will be chosen to pitch for prize money.
How much prize money is available?
Eligible participants of the Piedmont Pitch program have the opportunity to pitch for $15,000 in prizes.
Questions about Piedmont Pitch can be sent to events@cvsbdc.org or 434-295-8198