2026 PITCH COMPETITION

Bringing 21st Century Tech Entrepreneurship to the Ada Area

2026 PITCH COMPETITION

We are thrilled to welcome you to Grow Ada’s 2026 Pitch Competition! Since 2018, Grow Ada has awarded more than $10,000 in seed funding to local entrepreneurs, made possible through the continued support of community partners who believe in the entrepreneurial spirit and ecosystem that has long existed in Ada.

Over the years, the Pitch Competition has become more than a chance to win prize money. It has created a platform for entrepreneurs to test their ideas, build confidence, receive feedback, and connect with members of the local business community. Many of the businesses and entrepreneurs who have participated in the competition have continued to grow and operate in Ada, demonstrating the lasting impact that entrepreneurship can have on our community.

The competition also provides an important opportunity for student entrepreneurs to gain real-world experience. Participants at the high school and collegiate levels have used the skills developed through this competition to pursue additional entrepreneurship opportunities, including university and statewide pitch competitions. In fact, several East Central University students have gone on to compete at the state level and earn top placements. Whether you are developing an idea, building a new venture, or growing an existing business, we want to hear your pitch!

PITCH COMPETITION OVERVIEW

Grow Ada’s Pitch Competition gives local entrepreneurs a platform to share their business ideas with a panel of judges and a community audience. Contestants will compete for $5,000 in total prize money across multiple divisions. The categories are as follows:

  • Revenue-Generating Category (Adult): For businesses currently earning revenue.
  • Idea-Stage Category (Adult): For adult entrepreneurs with early-stage or pre-revenue ideas.
  • Student Innovation Award: For high school students pitching either an idea-stage concept or a revenue-generating business.
  • People’s Choice Award: All finalists are eligible; the audience votes the night of the event.

Top applicants in each division will be selected to pitch live on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Finalists will have five minutes to present their business idea, followed by a Q&A session with the judges. In addition, the audience will get the chance to vote for their favorite pitch of the night!

APPLY FOR COMPETITION HERE

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Complete the application and email the presentation slide deck to: Daniel Castaneda, dcastaneda@infogrowada.com
  2. Finalists will be announced on October 15th, 2026.
  3. Submit the revised and final presentation by Monday 26, 2025.
  4. The live competition will be hosted on October, 29, 2026.
2026-Packet