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 8-week program which includes business training sessions (Business Essentials Training), access to industry research, business operation tools, and one-on-one business advising offered by Central Virginia Small Business Development Center. Graduates of Piedmont Pitch will complete a business plan and have the 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 May 1, 2024.
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 2024 Schedule
Application deadline: Feb 1, 11:00pm EST
Piedmont Pitch Launch: Feb 7, 4:00-6:00pm
Starting Your Business: Feb 14, 4:00-6:00pm
BET 1, Planning for Success: Feb 21, 4:00-6:00pm
BET 2, Understanding Your Customers and Market: Feb 28, 4:00-6:00pm
BET 3, Pricing, Costs, and Launch Preparation: Mar 6, 4:00-6:00pm
BET 4, Marketing, Sales, and Your Brand: Mar 13, 4:00-6:00pm
BET 5, Money and Recordkeeping: Mar 20, 4:00-6:00pm
Pitch/Business Plan Preparation Workshop: Mar 27, 4:00-6:00pm
Piedmont Pitch Competition: April 10
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 receive prize money, participants must have an active business license in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County by May 1, 2024.
How to apply
Applications for Piedmont Pitch 2024 have closed.
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