How to Find and Win Local Pitch Competitions as a New Entrepreneur

If you’re a new entrepreneur, entering local pitch competitions can be a game-changer for your business. Not only do these contests offer cash prizes without giving up equity, but they also provide opportunities to connect with investors, mentors, and other founders in your area.

At Bottimals, we know how valuable these opportunities can be—especially for startups trying to grow and gain exposure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding competitions near you and giving yourself the best chance to win.

1. Start Local

Many cities, universities, and business incubators host startup pitch competitions throughout the year. Search online for terms like:

  • “[Your city] startup pitch competition”

  • “[Your region] business contest”

  • “[Your city] entrepreneurship awards”

Check with local organizations such as:

These resources can help you discover opportunities in your city or state.

2. Research Your Audience and Judges

Pitch competitions often have judges from investors, local businesses, and industry experts. Understanding their priorities can help you tailor your pitch to resonate with the audience. If you have a prototype or product available, like the Bottimals bottle-lovey, consider bringing samples to showcase to the judges. 

You can learn more about what investors look for in pitches through guides like this Forbes article on pitching to investors.

3. Perfect Your Pitch

Winning isn’t just about your idea—it’s about how you present it. Make sure your pitch:

  • Clearly explains the problem you’re solving
  • Communicates how many people—show why it matters and how many people are affected
  • Highlights what makes your solution unique
  • Shows traction or growth potential
  • Includes key numbers or milestones

If you want more startup stories, check out our other business-related stories on our blog. 

Expert tip: Ask for a scoring rubric in advance. You may be able to get your hands on the specific scoring rubric the judges will use to rate your pitch!

4. Practice Makes Perfect

Even experienced founders practice their pitches multiple times. Record yourself, ask for feedback, and refine your presentation until it’s polished, confident, and engaging. Practice in front of different audiences (even toddlers and furry friends count!)

Consider obtaining a mentor through your local SCORE chapter to practice in front of a real audience and to obtain professional feedback.

5. Engage With the Community

Beyond prizes, pitch competitions are a way to network and build credibility. Introduce yourself to other participants, connect with judges, and join local entrepreneur groups. These connections can lead to partnerships, mentorship, and even funding down the road. 

Why Local Pitch Competitions Matter

For startups like Bottimals, local pitch competitions offer more than cash—they provide:

  • Exposure to potential investors and partners
  • Publicity for your brand
  • Honest feedback to improve your business strategy

Even if you don’t win the top prize, participating is a learning experience that can accelerate your growth.

Bottom Line:

If you’re launching a startup, look for local pitch competitions today. (Pro-tip: I like to make a list at the beginning of each year, so I can make sure I don't miss any application deadlines). Prepare your story, know your numbers, and step on stage with confidence. You never know—it might be the start of something big.

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