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The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the 2025 DSLBD Small Business Week (SBW) Pitch Competition starting April 14, 2025. This pitch competition is designed to support and encourage the growth of businesses that are or have been participants in DSLBD programs such as the CBE Certification, Made in DC, and Aspire/Dream programs. By offering this pitch opportunity during DC Small Business Week, DSLBD aims to empower participating businesses with essential access to capital opportunities through pitch awards and other resources to help expand their operations and the ability to contribute significantly to the economic vitality of the community as District-based entities. The deadline to apply is April 28, 2025. 

The 2025 DSLBD Small Business Week competition is intended to support and encourage the growth of District-based entrepreneurs who identify as a current and/or former participant of at one (1 the following DSLBD programs:

• Licensed DC-based entity that has previously participated in DSLBD We Aspire Pitch and/or Dream Pitch Programs
• Made in DC Certified Business
• Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) that include the Equity Impact Enterprise (EIE) designation

This pitch competition will provide up to 18 eligible businesses with access to capital opportunities and other essential resources to expand their operations and ability to contribute to the economic vitality of the community as District-based entities. Pitch awards will range between $1,000 to $2500 per winner.

This pitch competition consists of three (3) distinct pitch categories.

• Category 1: Aspire Pitch & Dream Pitch Alumni (6 slots)
• Category 2: Made in DC Makers (non-apparel)- (6 slots)
• Category 3: Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) (6 slots)

DEADLINE: April 28th, 2025. 2:00 PM (ET)

All applications and supporting documents must be submitted to DSLBD through the online application system. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applications will not be accepted if submitted outside the survey link provided or after the application deadline of April 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. EST.

Key Dates/Deadlines
Date	Event
April 14, 2025	Application Opens
April 25, 2025 at 2 p.m. EST	Last Day to Ask Questions
April 28, 2025 at 2 p.m. EST	Applications Due
April 28 – May 1, 2025	Lottery Selection & Review
May 2, 2025	Selected Pitch Participants Notified
May 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EST	Pitch Competition Slide Decks Due
May 7, 2025 at Martin Luther King Jr. Library – 901 G Street NW	DSLBD Open House and Small Business Week Pitch Competition

Pitch Category	Eligibility Criteria
Aspire Pitch and Dream Pitch Alumni	Must have an active Business License The majority owner of the business must be a District resident. To be eligible for this pitch category, you MUST have previously participated in the Aspire Pitch/Dream Pitch competitions between 2021-2024. Questions regarding your past cohort status can be sent to [email protected].
Made in DC Makers	Must have an active Business License issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) The majority owner of the business must be a District resident. Business must have a tangible (non-apparel) product that is being made, produced assembled, designed, manufactured in the District of Columbia. Questions regarding your Made in DC application or current status can be sent to [email protected]
Certified Business Enterprises	Must have an active Business License issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) MUST be an active CBE that maintains the EIE designation Business must be in good standing with DLCP and maintain Clean Hands with the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). Questions regarding your CBE application or current status can be sent to [email protected]

 

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