The Dealership's
Small Business Pitch Competition
Sponsored By The Arminius Foundation and Citizens Bank


The Dealership is excited to announce the 2020 Small Business Pitch Competition! The competition is sponsored by The Arminius Foundation and Citizens Bank and is supported by the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) and Shaker Heights Development Corporation (SHDC). The goal of this competition is to strengthen the economic growth on Lee Rd. by supporting new businesses, small businesses, and home-based businesses located within Cuyahoga County. The winning pitch will receive $10,000. Participants will present to a panel of judges who have considerable experience assisting small businesses that are ready to move to the next level. The competition also offers great networking and resource opportunities. The timeline, competition rules, and eligibility requirements are detailed below.
Process
Step 1: Apply on-line
Step 2: Expert review and finalist selection
Step 3: Live pitch finale on May 21
Important Dates
Application Deadline: April 3, 2020
Finalists Announced: April 17, 2020
Workshop #1: April 30, 2020
Workshop #2: May 7, 2020
Live Pitch Finale: May 21, 2020
Rules & Eligibility
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Winning business must be willing to locate in an office or storefront in an available location on Lee Road between Chagrin Boulevard and Scottsdale Boulevard
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Business must have less than 5 years of operating experience
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Must have a plan to grow the business the equivalent of at least 3 employees in addition to the founder(s) within 3 years
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Must not have raised over $25,000 in combined funding sources at the time of the application
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Participants can not be employed by any sponsor or partner (Citizen Bank, ECDI, SHCD, City of Shaker Heights, The Dealership)
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Non-profit organizations are not eligible
Prizes
Prizes must be accepted as awarded. Prizes may not be sold or transferred.
First place winner will receive:
$10,000 Cash prize
Second place winner will receive:
$5,000 Cash prize
Audience Choice winner will receive:
1 year coworking membership at The Dealership ($1,500 value)
Presentation Format
Each participant will be allowed 5 minutes to present their idea
Each participant will have 5 minutes for judges Q&A
All participants must attend both scheduled prep workshops
Participants are allowed to bring products or samples
Participants are allowed to bring promotional/printed materials
Participants must be 18 years of age
Judging Criteria
Pitches will be judged on the following categories:
Business vision
Problem your business solves
Market opportunity
Business progress to date
Use of funding
Presentation
For any additional information please contact Micki Hejduk:
micki@thedealership-shaker.com or 216-455-5499
