Clone of PITCH BLACK 2025

How much money can you make in four minutes?
(Do the math.)

At Pitch Black, four minutes could change the future of your business or organization.

The New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center is back with the 4th annual Pitch Black pitch competition, sponsored by UPS, TD Bank, and the UP Foundation.

We’re looking for bold businesses and nonprofits solving real problems in:

Education
Housing
Economic Equity
Criminal Justice
Transportation
The Environment
Young People & Youth Development

No fluff. No endless slides.
Just a sharp pitch, a real solution, and four minutes to make the room believe.

Who Should Apply
You’re eligible if:

Your organization is solving a problem in one of the seven focus areas
You’ve been operating for at least 1 year, but no more than 3
Your organization is Black-owned or Black-led
You’ve raised less than $125K
You live in or serve NYC’s five boroughs

We’re looking for founders and leaders who can explain:

What’s broken.
Why it matters.
And why their solution matters now.

How to Apply
Submit a one-page executive summary outlining:

The problem
Your solution
Who you serve
Why your work matters

Four minutes.
Big energy.
Real solutions.

Pitch Black.

To enter, please complete the executive summary below.

The selected entries will be notified starting August 1, 2026.

Application Deadline - Thursday, July 30, 2026
Please carefully fill out the form to register.

All registrants are encouraged to attend the clinic regardless of submitting a pitch competition submission. Practice makes perfect!
Name

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Gender
Race
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
E-mail
example@example.com
Mobile Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
What lane are you disrupting?
Submit your entry for PITCH BLACK - if you select YES, please submit your executive summary below.
NYUL is excited to host you. How did you hear about the event? (Please scroll through to find your source.)

Tell us about your business and remember to use this opportunity to shine.
Company Summary

We suggest you read the questions before answering them. Pitch Black submissions must answer all questions below.
Company Name
Industry
Years in business
Website
One Social Media Handle
i.e., IG, XXXXXX
Describe your product/service. Include the problem your organization addresses, who the target audience is, and why.

0/250
What is the unique solution? What is the value proposition and customer benefit, and how is your solution different from others?

0/150
Who is competing for the same opportunity, and how do you differentiate yourself?

0/150
Describe the sales, marketing, and partnership plans.

0/150
Tell us about the three-year forecast. Is profitability on the horizon?

0/150
If you place and win, how will you use the prize money?

0/150
What are the team's superpowers? What skills do team members contribute to the company's success?

0/150
Is there anything else you want to share?

0/75
Signature - My signature indicates I have read the criteria and comply with the requirements above.
Should be Empty:

Please carefully fill out the form to register.

Tell us about your business and remember to use this opportunity to shine.

Company Summary