Rise of the Best Business Pitch Competition

Application date is july 8th, 2024

OVERVIEW

Welcome to Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association’s (WUCMAA) Rise of the Best Business Pitch Competition event. In our business development program, we provide culturally appropriate direct technical assistance to minority entrepreneurs and business owners to accelerate economic opportunities. As a hub of resources, WUCMAA proudly presents its second year of the Rise of the Best Business Pitch Competitions, leveraging two resource sites throughout Wisconsin to provide business resources and networking opportunities to Southeast Asian and BIPOC small businesses.

Rise of the Best Business Pitch Competition gives aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to connect with business partners in Wisconsin and compete for the following prizes with their pitches:

1st place: $5,000
2nd place: $3,000
3rd place: $1,000

For those willing to rise to the occasion, the benefits of participating include business exposure, an opportunity to expand your network, and a vendor fair with local partners, small businesses, and champions.

PROCESS

  • Round 1: Complete the online application. The top eight finalists, selected by the WUCMAA committee will proceed to Round 2.

    • Application deadline date: July 19th, 2024 at 11:59 PM

    • Once the application closes or has reached the maximum submission limit, please allow up to 72 hours for a follow-up acceptance or bypass email.

  • Round 2: Chosen finalists will advance and must physically present at the live pitch competition, where our panel of judges will score and determine the Top 3.

    • Event date: August 17th, 2024

    • Location: Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St, Madison, WI 53704

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicants must be located in the state of Wisconsin, including their business.

  • Applicants must be Southeast Asian and BIPOC small business owners.

  • Applicants must be 18 years or older.

  • Applicants must be formalized and have proof of business ownership such as Articles of Incorporation, EIN Certification Letter, Operating Agreement (if applicable), LLC, Sole Proprietorship, S Corp, C Corp, or Other.

  • Applicants must provide all information and documentation needed.

  • Only one entrepreneur per business may apply and/or participate. If the entrepreneur owns more than one business, they must only apply under one entity throughout the year.

  • Applicants may re-apply for another WUCMAA business pitch event if not selected as a finalist previously.

  • Applicants must NOT be a previous finalist from another WUCMAA business pitch event.

  • Applicants must be available and present at the live in-person pitch.

 
 

VENDOR FAIR:

In addition to the pitch competition, there will be a Vendor Fair for all attendees to enjoy. The vendor fair aims to promote small businesses and provide a diverse range of goods and services to the community. WUCMAA is searching for vendors of merchandise products, including but not limited to apparel, arts & crafts, beauty and health products, gear, and more. We are also looking for vendors with resourceful information and programming services that align with our event, including but not limited to consultants, business promotions, and organizations.

Vendor Inclusive:

  • Free of charge to be a vendor. 

  • Vendor table and chairs.

  • Electricity access will be provided if requested below.

  • Marketing efforts on WUCMAA's social media platforms (Newsletter, Facebook, & Website)

  • High-quality images captured by our event photographer.

  • Free entry to the raffle prize drawing.

EVENT DATES:

  • Date of Event: April 13th, 2024

    • Location: Holiday Inn, 1000 Imperial Avenue, Rothschild, Wisconsin, 54474

      • Due Date of Application: March 11th, 2024

  • Date of Event: August 17, 2024

    • Location: Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St, Madison, wi 53704

      • Due Date of Application: July 19th, 2024

Please see below for frequently asked questions.

FAQ’s

  • A: Yes. We are not restricting any Small Business Grant applicants from competing in our pitch events.

  • A: We accept any Wisconsin businesses that are Southeast Asian and BIPOC. Some business examples include fashion, health and beauty, retail, restaurant/bakery, photographers, media/videographers, and more!

  • A: You must have a Wisconsin Business License and be registered under the WI Department of Revenue before February 1st, 2024. Our team will take the necessary steps to ensure all businesses are formalized through the WI Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI).

  • A: The dress code for these business pitch events is business formal.

  • A: Yes, as long as you are not a previous chosen finalist. We do allow and encourage each business to apply for the multiple business event pitches we are hosting.

  • A: The chosen finalists will receive the judging criteria in their follow-up email.

  • A: There will be access to the internet, a computer, and a projector. If you are presenting with a slideshow or videos, you must provide the file within a USB Drive. During check-in, you will be provided a 5-minute time slot to ensure your devices and presentation are properly functioning and easily accessible.

  • A: We allow up to 2 presenters. They need to be the officially documented proprietor or co-proprietor of the business.

  • If you are a chosen finalist and fail to show up at your scheduled time of check-in, without a verified proof of explanation, you are automatically disqualified and will be unable to participate in any of the remaining pitches throughout the year.

  • A: Due to liability and fairness, applicants cannot bring a translator for their pitch. WUCMAA will not be providing a translator.

  • A: In this case, you must inform our team immediately via email at manie@wucmaa.org. We will revoke your previous submission and you may re-apply as the new business, as long as the application period is still open.

  • A: We understand. You must notify our team immediately on the day of via phone call. You can find the contact information in your approval email. After confirmation of cancellation, WUCMAA will dismiss your submission, and you may re-apply for another pitch competition throughout the year upon verified proof of emergency.

  • A: Our event is public and free for all ages. If you are not selected, we welcome you to join us as an attendee to discover, support, and network!

contact us for any other questions or concerns:

info@wucmaa.org