Do you have a start-up business? Are you an entrepreneur chasing a dream? You may be eligible to win a grant from Rio Salado College! Rio Salado College, in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), is helping students follow through on their ambitions with our Small Business Pitch event. This contest will award student entrepreneurs with grant-funded prizes to help them take their small business to the next level.
The deadline for submitting an application is March 10, 2025; the deadline for pitch videos is April 7. Read on below for award, eligibility, and submission requirements.
Awards
Small Business Pitch winners are eligible to receive the following:
- 1st Place: $2,500
- 2nd Place: $2,000
- 3rd Place: $1.500
- 4th Place: $800
The award money is reimbursement for eligible business expenses that may include website setup/maintenance costs, legal fees, marketing, social media boosting, and buying necessary equipment and supplies.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Rio students. You must be currently enrolled in at least 3 credit hours. This pitch event is open to students from any major. You must also have been in business for at least 6 months and provide evidence of generating sales/income. If accepted, you must be willing to meet with assigned Rio Salado Faculty and SBDC within 30 days of selection.
Note: you may apply for this competition even if you have received funds before.
Submission Requirements
Applicants will need to submit an application and a separate pitch video (video guidelines are forthcoming). You’ll need to upload several documents as part of the application process. Before you begin your submission, make sure you have the following on-hand:
- Proof of IRS Tax ID number (EIN)
- Proof of setup of Legal Entity through Arizona Corporation Commission (LLC, Corporation, Non-Profit Corporation), Business License or other State Organization
- Simple Business Plan
There are templates available on the Small Business Pitch site that you can use to structure your business plan.
Ready to get started?
If you have any questions, reach out to lily.davidov@riosalado.edu.