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 to participate in the 10 week program including 8 training programs (Business Essentials Training) offered by Central Virginia SBDC and work with a business advisor to hone their pitch and develop a solid business plan. Graduates of Piedmont Pitch have the opportunity to pitch for $15,000 in prize money!
To be eligible to pitch for prize money, participants must have a registered business license in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County by May 1, 2023.
Business Essentials Training and Certificate
The Central Virginia SBDC Business Essentials Training (BET) program offers a robust series for new founders and those with growing businesses. The programming provides for entrepreneurs to launch with confidence or conduct a “Business Health Check” as a foundation for expansion or growth.
Piedmont Pitch participants can earn the Business Essentials Certificate 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 pitch.
Learn more about the Business Essentials Training program and certificate
Piedmont Pitch 2023 Schedule
Application deadline: Feb 28, 11:00pm EST
Piedmont Pitch Launch: Mar 1, 3:00-5:00pm
Starting Your Business: Mar 8, 3:00-5:00pm
BET 1, Understanding Your Customers and Market: Mar 15, 3:00-5:00pm
BET 2, Pricing, Costs, and Launch Preparation: Mar 22, 3:00-5:00pm
BET 3, Marketing, Sales, and Your Brand: Mar 29, 3:00-5:00pm
BET 4, Planning for Success: Apr 5, 3:00-5:00pm
BET 5, Money and Recordkeeping: Apr 12, 3:00-5:00pm
Pitch Preparation Workshop: Apr 26, 3:00-5:00pm
Piedmont Pitch Competition: May 11
All Piedmont Pitch sessions will be offered as hybrid events:
In person at the CV SBDC office, 300 Preston Ave, Charlottesville, 2nd floor training room or online via Zoom
How to Participate in Piedmont Pitch
Who is eligible to participate?
Existing small businesses or new start-ups opening in Charlottesville and Albemarle.
To be eligible to pitch for prize money, participants must have a registered business license in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County by May 1, 2023.
How to apply
The Piedmont Pitch application can be found here
How much prize money is available?
Graduates 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