Pathway to Opportunity is comprised of two phases

 

PHASE I: SEMIFINALS


 

Phase I is open to small businesses throughout the United States. Interested companies will complete an application and submit their capability statement along with a three-minute video about their company. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the corporate procurement community, who will select thirty businesses to advance to the final competition and the opportunity to win cash prizes of up to $5,000.

Pitch Competition Eligibility

To apply for the Pathway to Opportunity competition:

  • The owner or co-owner of the company must be at least 21 years of age.
  • The company featured in the pitch must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by U.S.-based entrepreneurs.
  • The applicant must be the owner, founder, CEO, or controlling shareholder of a company that has been operating for at least three months and agree to the competition guidelines.
  • Complete the application and submit your pitch video by June 9, 2025.

Should You Apply?

If you can answer yes to any of the questions below, you should apply today:

  1. Do you want to sell your product or service to corporations?
  2. Do you believe that your business has a product or service that a corporation can use in its supply chain?
  3. Do you want to expose your product or service to corporations looking to do business with small businesses?

If you answered yes, YOU should apply to participate in Pathway to Opportunity today! The exposure you will receive is invaluable. Get yourself and your company in front of potential customers. Apply today and pitch your product/service to some of the top corporations in the world.

Fun Fact:

Even if you are not selected to move to Phase II, your pitch will still be seen by representatives of top U.S. corporations seeking innovative products and services from small businesses.

 

PHASE II: THE PITCH LIVE FINALS


 

Everyone who proceeds to Phase II will have an opportunity to win a cash prize of up to $5,000 by participating in the live finals.

Each participant will give a three-minute, live virtual pitch to an audience of judges comprised of buyers and corporate representatives.

Following each live pitch, the panel of judges will have up to three minutes for follow-up questions.


 

Three winners will be selected to receive one of these cash prizes.

First Place: $5,000
Second Place: $2,500
Third Place: $1,250