Apply for a Small Business Pitch Grant by Sept. 10
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Are you looking to grow your small business? Enter the Small Business Pitch contest!
Rio Salado College is partnering with Wells Fargo for the Small Business Pitch event. This virtual competition is open to all Rio Salado students who are ready to take their small business ventures to the next level.
How the Small Business Pitch Works
The contest is open to all Rio Salado students. To apply, complete an application form by Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. The next step is to submit a pitch video by Sept. 20, 2024.
Four winners will receive grant awards: 1st Place – $2,500, 2nd Place - $1,500, 3rd Place - $1,000, and 4th Place - $500.
Grant awards are a reimbursement for eligible business expenses. Expenses may include, but are not limited to, legal fees for registering the name and protecting trademarks, setting up a website, maintaining the website, improving social media and online search visibility, creating marketing campaigns, and buying necessary equipment and supplies. All expenses are subject to approval.
Contest Eligibility
The Small Business Pitch is open to all Rio Salado College students (any major) who:
- Are currently enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours in Fall 1 2024 (Aug. 19-Oct. 12, 2024)
- Have a business that generates revenue and is ready to grow
- Are able to spend funds by Oct. 31, 2024
More Information
If you have any questions, contact Accounting and Small Business Faculty Chair Dr. Lily Davidov at lily.davidov@riosalado.edu.
How the Small Business Pitch Helped Past Winners
Shaniqua Hopkins
Winning the Small Business Pitch @ Rio helped tip the scales for Shaniqua Hopkins and her non-profit, 7th Dream Helping Hearts. Hopkins went from struggling to get grants and donations to securing an additional $14,000 to provide services for her single mom clients. By providing Hopkins with access to funding, she was able to increase exposure for her non-profit, secure new partnerships with other local businesses, and increase the number of clients served.
Maya Mack
When she moved to Arizona, Maya Mack saw a huge demand for cleaning services. In 2021 she started her business, Cornhusker Cleaning and More, LLC. Since winning second place in the Small Business Pitch, Mack has experienced an influx of new customers and revenue after using some of the funding for advertising her business on local platforms like Yelp. The award also allowed her to buy in bulk, reducing her supply costs.
Jose Armando Marquez
When he was working for a national moving company, some clients asked Jose Armando Marquez to help them move. He realized he could provide the service full-time as a business, so seven years ago he started Specialist Movers, LLC. Participating in the Small Business Pitch helped Marquez see the possibilities for growing his business. He used his award to buy new equipment that has made providing services more efficient and easier for his crew.
Marit Navarro
Winning a third place award in the Small Business Pitch provided Marit Navarro with a boost to her business, Yeah We Clean, LLC. Navarro was able to wrap her van with the company logo and phone number. This one marketing action created a 15% increase in revenue and new business. The whole team feels proud of the van’s new look. It has boosted morale, and everyone is looking forward to adding new services.