(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, January 23rd, the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced the launch of the 2023 Dream Pitch Program. In partnership with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DLCP), DC Public Library (DCPL), Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation (CHCTDC), and Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO), the Dream Pitch Competition is an opportunity for participants to pitch their business to a panel of judges, and showcase the knowledge they gained through the program. Participants will receive feedback from judges and resource partners resulting in every participant receiving a pitch prize award between $2000 and $7500.

 

Microbusinesses accepted into this competitive program will receive business development training in 4 areas:

 

· Business Pitch

· Financial Projections/Accounting

· Marketing & Branding

· Mentorship

 

This is the 6th year that Mayor Bowser's Dream Pitch Program has allowed small businesses in Wards 7 and 8 to showcase their businesses and knowledge gained through the program.

 

"Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, and you must believe in your mission and yourself," said DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield. "It takes vision, passion, dedication, and the strength to dream out loud and to persevere despite the hardships. Those concepts are essential to succeed in the Dream Pitch program."

 

This program is open to small businesses with fewer than five (5) employees, located in Ward 7 or 8, and owned by Ward 7 or 8 residents. Those who participated in the 2022 Dream Pitch Program and received a pitch award are not eligible.

 

To learn more about the Dream Pitch program, visit https://dslbd.dc.gov/dreampitch.

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