Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Pitch It! 91×ÔÅÄ
The 91×ÔÅÄ Chamber of Commerce and the 91×ÔÅÄ Small Business Center are excited to present Pitch It, a dynamic competition designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs in 91×ÔÅÄ County. This event offers participants the opportunity to showcase their innovative business ideas before a panel of three esteemed Business Bulldogs for a chance to win start-up funding and valuable prizes.
Do you have a new business idea?
Now’s your chance to make it happen!
What’s at stake?
- Â 1st place: $3,000
- Â 2nd place: $2,000
- Â 3rd place: $1,000
Who should apply?
The ideal candidate:
- Has never started a business before or is applying with a brand-new business concept for a business based in 91×ÔÅÄ County.
- Is passionate, knowledgeable about their industry, and committed to the training needed to start their business the right way.
Contestant Eligibility Criteria:
All applicants must be residents of 91×ÔÅÄ County and agree to the following certifications:
- They are not currently in business with the business concept presented in their application.
- They will participate in all Pitch It! 91×ÔÅÄ affiliated trainings/events.
- They are not currently employees of Marine Federal Credit Union, 91×ÔÅÄ Chamber of Commerce, or 91×ÔÅÄ.
- They are not related to any current 91×ÔÅÄ or Marine Federal Credit Union employees.
- They plan to open a new business based in 91×ÔÅÄ County.
- They will use any prize funds received exclusively for the business they pitched in the program.
- They will deposit any prize funds into a business bank account in the name of the business they pitched in the competition.
- They will inform Marine Federal Credit Union, the Small Business Center at 91×ÔÅÄ CC, and the 91×ÔÅÄ Chamber of Commerce when they have officially started their business, created jobs, and retained jobs within their company.
- They will respond to all requests for information, including participating in the Small Business Center’s annual impact survey for a minimum of three years after participating in the program.
- They will participate in the program ethically and represent themselves and the program professionally at all times.
Application Requirements:
- Submit a 3-minute video explaining your business idea.
- Provide a professional resume.
- Show proof of 91×ÔÅÄ County residency.
How to Apply:
Use the button below to submit your application.
Key Dates to Remember:
-  March 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM – Application deadline
-  March 25, 2025 – Deadline to register for REAL Entrepreneurship Class
-  June 14, 2025 – Pitch Day (recorded & shared on social media)
-  July 14, 2025 – Pitch videos go public for community voting
-  July 30, 2025 – Winners announced
REAL Entrepreneurship Training
Selected applicants will receive FREE training through an 8-week program at the 91×ÔÅÄ Small Business Center, designed to help them develop their business plans and pitch decks. Participants will also receive one-on-one business counseling to strengthen their ideas!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
- Trisha Scott – [email protected] | 910.355.5656
- Brandy Bell – [email protected] | 252.222.6123




