2025 DSLBD Small Business Week (SBW) Pitch Competition
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. To learn more about this pitch competition, visit: www.dslbd.dc.gov/SBWPitch2025
Application opens: April 14th, 2:00 PM (ET)
DEADLINE: April 28th 2:00 PM (ET)
Dream Accelerator Program
The Dream Accelerator Program is a cohort-based training program for microbusinesses in Wards 7 and 8, culminating in the Dream Pitch Competition. The Dream Pitch Competition is an opportunity for participants to pitch their business to a panel of judges, showcasing the knowledge gained through the program, resulting in a pitch award between $2000 to $7500. Microbusinesses accepted into this competitive program will receive business development training across several topic areas, including:
- Business Pitch
- Financial Projections and Financial Management
- Marketing & Branding
- Peer Mentorship
Program eligible microbusinesses must have fewer than five (5) employees, the business must be located in Ward 7 or 8, and the applicant must be a Ward 7 or 8 resident owning 51% or more of the business. This program is only for For-Profit businesses. Applicants must be business owners. Participants in the 2024 Dream Pitch Program who received a pitch award and selected participants in the 2024 We Aspire Program are not eligible.
See the entire OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS available for download on the DSLBD website at https://dslbd.dc.gov/dreampitch.
The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is excited to announce that we will accept applications for the 2025 Dream Pitch Program starting April 14, 2025..
This 8-week, cohort-based training program is designed for microbusinesses located in Ward 7 and Ward 8. It will culminate in the Dream Pitch Competition, a chance for participants to pitch their business to a panel of judges and compete for cash awards ranging from $2,500 to $7,500.
Selected businesses will receive hands-on training and support in the following areas:
- Business Pitching
- Financial Projections & Accounting
- Marketing & Branding
- Mentorship & Peer Support
Application Period: April 14 – May 14, 2025
Final Deadline: May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Before applying, please review the Official Application Instructions for details on eligibility and important information.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business and sharpen your pitch!
For questions, join our info sessions or email [email protected].
* No phone inquiries will be accepted.
To learn more, CLICK HERE
