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Small Business Pitch Competition

CoopFed is thrilled to announce A Winning Pitch, our first ever small business pitch competition! Hone your business plan and position yourself to best showcase your business, apply for a loan, or just be a better business manager.

Win funding to level-up your small business:

  • 1st Place Prize - $2,500 cash

  • 2nd Place - $500 cash

  • 3rd Place  - $500 cash

  • + 9 Scholarships for Professional Services

Applications are Now Closed

Update 5/31: The pitch competition is now closed. Join our email list to learn about future events and opportunities, or sign up for a free Business Advising session to get help now.  

Participation Requirements

Small business owners are eligible to participate* in A Winning Pitch if they meet the following requirements:

  • Potential applicants must attend a minimum of two business advising sessions no later than Thursday, May 30. To begin the application process, request an appointment. 

  • Next, applicants must submit a complete application by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 31 via CoopFed's online form (provided during business advising session).

    • The application includes a brief written Business Plan Snapshot plus Financial Projections for 1 month (minimum) to 12 months (maximum).

    • Resources are available for individuals who lack internet or computer access, or who want assistance submitting their application electronically. 

    • Candidates will be selected and notified the evening of Monday, June 3 that they have been chosen to compete in the Pitch.

  • ***NEW!*** Get extra help with your pitch application at an exclusive, hands-on workshop: Keys to a Successful Application, Tuesday, May 28 at 6 pm @ Salt City Coffee at 484 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (inside Salt City Market). Meet with loan officers to work on your financial projections, ask questions and get personalized guidance. This session is optional but strongly encouraged for pitch competition applicants.
     

  • Candidates selected for the competition must attend the Pitch Prep workshop in its entirety on Tuesday, June 6 (6:00 pm) - in person at One Group, 706 North Clinton Street, Syracuse NY.

  • Finally, selected candidates must attend Pitch Competition night in its entirety on Tuesday, June 13 (6:00 pm) - in person at Salt City Coffee, 509 W Onondaga Street, Syracuse NY.

  • All applicants must be located in Central NY. 

*Space in A Winning Pitch is limited, and not all applicants will be selected for the competition. Candidates will be selected at the discretion of Cooperative Federal. Additional requirements apply; sign up for a Business Consultation to learn more. All requirements must be complete to win a prize or scholarship.

Why Pitch?

Cooperative Federal's Small Business Pitch Competition is designed to support business owners that need to get "loan ready" by working on their business plan and pitch. Participants will gain a better understanding of what a loan officer is looking for and improve their ability to verbally “sell” their business. 

All pitch finalists will win assistance in the form of cash or scholarships for professional services. Prizes should be used to advance your business goals or overcome barriers to accessing capital. Additionally, all participants are invited to a follow-up session with Cooperative Federal lending staff to receive feedback on their pitch and discuss next steps for funding their business.

  • Opportunity to win cash prizes or scholarships for professional business services 

  • Visibility for your business 

  • Coaching and guidance from lenders to help you get ready for a successful loan application