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The event is open to all students who meet the following criteria:
Currently enrolled in a minimum of 3 credit hours
In business for 6 months or more
Making sales (both net profit or loss is acceptable)
The Winner of the Small Business Pitch @ Rio will have a chance to compete in the Big Pitch event on April 25th! Check out all the details here >>> The Big Pitch
Winners will receive a grant award that is a reimbursement for eligible business expenses to Rio Salado student entrepreneurs planning to expand their small businesses. Expenses may include but are not limited to legal fees for registering the name and protecting trademarks, setting up a website, keeping the website running each year, improving social media visibility, boosting online search visibility, running marketing campaigns, and buying necessary equipment and supplies. All expenses are subject to approval.
Small Business Pitch Awards
1st Place: $4,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $2,000
4th Place: $1,000
Click on the Application button to submit your application. You will be required to upload the following documents so have everything ready before you begin your application:
Proof of IRS Tax ID Number (EIN)
Proof of setup of Legal Entity through Arizona Corporation Commission (LLC, Corporation, Non-Profit Corporation) or other State Organization
Income Statement (template below)
Simple Business Plan (template below)
** Note: You may apply for this competition even if you have received funds before.
Applications are now closed.
You will be notified if your application is accepted for the competition.
If selected you will be provided a pitch deck template and additional instructions
to submit your video by April 8, 2024.
Click on the links below, templates will open in a new window. Use the download icon in the upper right area of the page to download the blank template for use. **Save your documents with your name (First, Last) and the name of the document before uploading.**