Thursday
June 18
5:30 - 7 PM
Start with the Mixer & Info Session
A high-energy networking and info session for the Neighborhood Pitch Competition. Hear from motivational speakers, get the full breakdown of the application and selection process, and connect with local entrepreneurs, community members, and support resources. Whether you plan to apply, want to learn more about the competition, or simply want to network and meet others building ideas in the community, this event is for you. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, conversation, and inspiration as we kick off this year’s competition at The Neighborhood Hub.
OUR VISION
Building the local economy,
one block at a time.
Connected Communities works alongside Beechwood and EMMA residents to build a stronger local economy, supporting the people, ideas, and businesses that already make this place what it is.
The Neighborhood Pitch Competition is one piece of that work: a way to identify and invest in early-stage businesses that will have real impact in the neighborhood.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Strong business ideas
- 01
Viable, realistic, and built on a foundation that can actually grow.
Meaningful neighborhood
impact
- 02
Businesses rooted in Beechwood and EMMA, created by, serving, or
strengthening the people who live here.
The Neighborhood Pitch Competition has been very helpful in moving my business forward, providing not only valuable knowledge from the classes but also funding that gave me a strong boost. The entire environment throughout the competition was friendly, welcoming, and supportive, which made the experience even more impactful for my growth as an entrepreneur. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who has aspirations of starting or growing their business, as it offers both the resources and encouragement needed to succeed!
Massie Scott Jr.
Founder of Mindful Warrior Training
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Designed for budding entrepreneurs.
This competition is built for people
early in their entrepreneurial journey.
To be eligible, your business should
meet all of the following:
1. Less than 2 years in operation
From a kitchen-table idea to a year and a half of customers, if you're early, you're in the right place.
2. Under $20,000 in annual revenue
We're investing where a few thousand dollars can change the trajectory of a business.
3. Rooted in Beechwood or EMMA
You live in the neighborhood, or your business serves the people who do.
AGES 16 - 17
Young entrepreneurs welcome.
Applicants ages 16 and 17 are eligible with parent or guardian consent. Youth applicants are held to the same standard as everyone else, viable ideas, real plans.
PAST THIS STAGE?
We've got other paths for you.
If your business is further along, we'll connect you with the right resources, including our Small Business Fund and the RIT citywide pitch competition.
THE PRIZES
$5,000 in cash, distributed
with no strings attached.
First place
$3,000
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Second place
$1,500
RUNNER UP
Third place
$500
THIRD PLACE FINISHER
Cash awards come with no restrictions on how you use them. Buy inventory, fix the website, pay yourself for the hours you've already put in. It's your business, and your call.
Contestants
Kristen
Rogers
Lisa
A. Johnson
Mecca
Crumity
Valiencia
Thomas
Matthew
Apple
Celina
Ramos
Massie
Scott Jr.
Winners
1st place
Massie Scott Jr.
Mindful Warrior Training
2nd place
Celina Ramos
Infloresence Co
3rd place
Kristen Rogers
Monetarily Savvy
BEYOND THE CASH
Winners walk away with more than a check.
The cash prize is the start. Winners are also welcomed into the
Connected Communities founder ecosystem for ongoing
support, long after the lights go down on July 30.
3-month Connect Lab membership
This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.
Founders Tables
This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.
Tell your story
A short testimonial video to capture your experience and how the funds shaped what came next, your win, your words.
HOW IT WORKS
Six weeks.
Four milestones
A high-energy networking and info session for the Neighborhood Pitch Competition. Hear from motivational speakers, get the full breakdown of the application and selection process, and connect with local entrepreneurs, community members, and support resources. Whether you plan to apply, want to learn more about the competition, or simply want to network and meet others building ideas in the community, this event is for you. Enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, conversation, and inspiration as we kick off this year’s competition.
June 18
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Learn how to turn your idea into a viable business by identifying your customers, value proposition, revenue streams, and key resources. We’ll also use the pitch competition application as a guide to help you develop strong, thoughtful responses and build a more compelling submission.
June 25
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Applications are open now and close at the end of the day on July 2nd. From the pool, we'll select seven finalists to move forward to the pitch.
July 2
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Selected finalists get tailored support to strengthen the parts of a business that are usually hardest to nail down: financials, projections, market size, pricing, plus pitch coaching to bring it all together on stage. You won't walk into the competition alone.
Mid to late July
FINALIST COACHING
Five-slide deck. Five minutes to pitch. Three minutes of Q&A from the judges. Cash prizes awarded the same night.
July 30
5:30 - 8:00 PM
WHERE IT ALL HAPPENS
Three nights at the
Neighborhood Hub.
The Pitch Competition
Thursday, July 30 · 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Connected Communities Neighborhood Hub
616 N Goodman St
Watch seven of your neighbors pitch real businesses to a panel of judges, with $5,000 on the line.
Mixer & Info Session
Thursday, June 18 · 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Connected Communities Neighborhood Hub
616 N Goodman St
Hors d’oeuvres and drinks on us. Come learn about the competition, meet the team, hear from motivational speakers, and connect with local entrepreneurs and community members.
Business Model & Application Review Workshop
Thursday, June 25 · 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Connected Communities Neighborhood Hub
616 N Goodman St
Learn how to turn your idea into a viable business by identifying your customers, value proposition, revenue streams, and key resources. We’ll also use the pitch competition application as a guide to help you develop strong, thoughtful responses and build a more compelling submission.
Building the local
economy,
one block at a time.
Connected Communities works alongside Beechwood and EMMA residents to build a stronger local economy; supporting the people, ideas, and businesses that already make this place what it is.
The Neighborhood Pitch Competition is one piece of that work: a way to identify and invest in early-stage businesses that will have real impact in the neighborhood.