2024 Made in DC: Pull Up & Pitch Series

This is an exciting opportunity for Made in DC Certified maker businesses to showcase their innovations, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. Organized by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), Made in DC will host a Pull-Up and Pitch series designed to foster growth and collaboration within the vibrant maker community of the District of Columbia. DSLBD intends to award between $500-$2,500 to Made in DC Certified maker businesses to support access to market opportunities and business growth.

BENEFITS FOR MAKERS:

• Showcase Your Business: Present your products and business ideas to a supportive audience and potential customers.
• Promote Your Brand: Benefit from the promotional platform provided by the Made in DC program to enhance your business visibility.
• Network with Makers & Industry Experts: Connect with other local makers and industry professionals to share resources and experiences. Engage with the local government and contribute to the collective growth of the maker economy in DC.
• Gain Insights: Learn from experienced mentors and industry experts who can provide valuable feedback and guidance.
• Win up to $2,500: Compete for a chance to win between $500 - $2,500 for your maker business, providing a significant boost to your entrepreneurial journey.

This pitch series is only available to District-based businesses that meet the following criteria:

ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be a District Resident (majority owner of the business)
• Business must have an active Business License
• Businesses must be physically producing, assembling, designing, or manufacturing tangible products in the District of Columbia.
• Previous Made in DC certification alone does not guarantee pitch participation; a completed pitch application and a confirmation email are required.
• Eventbrite sign-ups are for event attendance only, not pitch participation. Eligible businesses may not participate in more than one 2024 Made in DC pitch opportunity.

Businesses that meet all eligibility requirements by the scheduled pitch deadline and receive an eligibility approval email will be able to participate in the respective pitch competition.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Contact information for the business owner
2. Business Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
3. Proof of District Residency
   1. Non-expired driver’s license, voter registration card, utility bill
4. DC-issued Basic Business License number

 

TWO-PART PROCESS:

• Part 1: Pre-Eligibility Pitch Application Submit your pitch application by the specified deadline. Once submitted, your application will be screened for eligibility, and you will receive an approval email if you meet all criteria.
• Part 2: Pull Up and Pitch During pitch day, there will be a 1-hour time frame for pitching. If approved, you will be assigned a 3-minute pitch slot on the day of the pitch event to present your pitch. It’s crucial to be in attendance AND on time; if you are not present or if all slots are filled, you forfeit your opportunity to pitch at that pitch event. While you may be eligible for future pitch opportunities, slots are not guaranteed.

APPLICATION/KEY DEADLINES

APPLY HERE - Ensure you don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Made In DC Pull & Up and Pitch Your Biz Series. Here are the key steps and deadlines for the application process:

1. Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents, including your business license, proof of residency, and details about your product or service.
2. Submit Before the Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the specified dates:

• • Pitch Event #1: Friday, August 16, 2024
    • Application Deadline is August 15, 2024, at 2 PM EST.
    • To participate in this pitch event, submit your application here

 

• • Pitch Event #2: Friday, August 30, 2024
    • Application Deadline is August 29, 2024, at 2 PM EST.
    • To participate in this pitch event, submit your application here

 

• • Pitch Event #3: Friday, September 20, 2024
    • Application Deadline is September 19, 2024, at 2 PM EST.
    • To participate in this pitch event, submit your application here

3. Confirm Your Slot: After submitting, look out for an eligibility confirmation email to ensure your slot in the pitch competition. If you have questions, please email [email protected]

Due to time constraints, only a limited number of slots are available per pitch event.*

Duplicate entries across pitch applications will be rejected.

EVENT REGISTRATION

Registration is required to attend these pitch events. To register, click here.

Attending the Made In DC Pull & Up and Pitch Your Biz Series offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local maker community, even if you're not pitching. As an attendee, you'll gain:

• Insights into Local Innovation: Witness firsthand the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of DC's maker businesses.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of entrepreneurs, industry experts, and local government representatives.
• Learning Experiences: Absorb valuable advice and feedback given by judges to pitchers, which can be applied to your own business endeavors.
• Inspiration: Get inspired by the ambition and innovation of local makers and perhaps spark your own ideas for future projects or collaborations.

Join us to support local businesses and enrich your understanding of the DC creative economy. The pitch events for the Made In DC Pull & Up and Pitch Your Biz Series will take place at Sycamore & Oak, located at 1110 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20020. Each event will run from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the following dates:

• Pitch Event #1: Friday, August 16, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Location: Sycamore & Oak – 1110 Oak Drive SE Washington, DC 20020
• Pitch Event #2: Friday, August 30, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Location: Sycamore & Oak – 1110 Oak Drive SE Washington, DC 20020
• Pitch Event #3: Friday, September 20, 2024
  • Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Location: Sycamore & Oak – 1110 Oak Drive SE Washington, DC 20020

Pitch HOUR: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Interested businesses or industry representatives who wish to attend the pitch events can register by obtaining an attendee ticket. However, it's important to note that event attendance registration is separate from applying for a pitch opportunity. Eligible businesses interested in pitching must complete a pitch application specific to the pitch event they intend to participate in. This ensures proper consideration for the pitching slots available during the series.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MADE IN DC PROGRAM:

The Made in DC program, administered by DSLBD, is dedicated to supporting and promoting businesses that design, manufacture, produce, and/or assemble products within the District of Columbia. In response to the significant growth and momentum of the maker and creative economy in the District, Made in DC operates as a citywide campaign and platform to create opportunities for maker businesses. The program facilitates resource and experience sharing among businesses and serves as a conduit and liaison between makers and the local government.

**We do not accept phone calls regarding open pitch opportunities.**