Business Boost Pitch Application

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Business Boost Pitch Competition, hosted by Sunshine Enterprises in partnership with New Covenant Community Development Corporation (NCCDC). This annual competition is designed to support growth-ready entrepreneurs who are actively operating businesses and are prepared to leverage capital, coaching, and community to take their next step forward.

The Business Boost Pitch is more than a one-day event — it is part of a broader entrepreneurial pipeline that connects business owners to mentorship, financial readiness tools, capital providers, and ongoing business support. We are seeking entrepreneurs who are committed, coachable, and building businesses that contribute meaningfully to their communities.

We look forward to learning more about your journey, your vision for growth, and how this opportunity can help accelerate your impact.

Please Note 

Important Dates

• Application Opens: February 16, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Pitch Competition: May 30, 2026 (Location to be announced)

Ten finalists will be selected to present live at the 2026 Business Boost Pitch Competition.
 

Finalists will receive:

• Individualized coaching
• Mentor matching
• Pitch refinement sessions
• Increased visibility within the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Coaching and rehearsal sessions will take place in May (specific dates will be shared with finalists). Finalists are expected to participate in at least one rehearsal session.

Required Materials
You will be disqualified if you fail to submit any of the following:

• Executive Summary or Business Plan
  
  
• 3-minute Pitch Video (YouTube link required; videos exceeding 3 minutes will not be reviewed)
  
  
• Proof of Active Business Registration (e.g., Secretary of State documentation, if applicable; sole proprietors are welcome)

 

 

To apply, please complete this application and upload the required materials listed below. In addition, you must upload a 3-minute pitch video to YouTube and include the link in this application. Your video should clearly and concisely communicate your business model, traction, financial readiness, and how you would use the funding if selected.

Your pitch should include, but is not limited to, the following topics:

What problem your business solves
Your product or service and target customer
Evidence of traction (revenue, growth, partnerships, etc.)
Financial overview and capital needs
How funding will accelerate measurable growth
All businesses currently in operation are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have at least one year in operation and recorded revenue.

To apply, a business must:

• Be in operation for at least one year
• Have recorded operating income
• Submit written/video pitch materials
• Demonstrate growth readiness
• Be willing to participate in the coaching and selection process
• Operate within the greater Chicago region

 

Judging Criteria (100 Points Total)
Applicants will be evaluated based on:

Each category is scored on a 10-point scale. Judges should apply scoring consistently and objectively,
based on evidence presented.

Updated Judging Criteria (100 Points Total)
Each category is scored on a 10-point scale. Judges should apply scoring consistently and objectively,
based on evidence presented.

1. Problem & Value Proposition (10 pts)
   ● Is the problem clearly defined?
   ● Does the business present a compelling solution?
   ● Is the value to customers clearly articulated?
   
   
2. Target Market & Customer Clarity (10 pts)
   ● Is the target customer clearly defined?
   ● Is there evidence of real demand?
   ● Does the entrepreneur understand customer behavior and willingness to pay?
3. Market Opportunity & Positioning (10 pts)
   ● Is the market size and opportunity realistic?
   ● Is the business positioned appropriately within the market?
   ● Is there a clear growth pathway?
   
   
4. Competitive Landscape & Advantage (10 pts)
   ● Are competitors clearly identified?
   ● Does the business demonstrate a meaningful competitive advantage?
   ● Is differentiation sustainable?
   
   
5. Product or Service Feasibility (10 pts)
   ● Is the product/service clearly explained?
   ● Is it feasible to deliver consistently?
   ● Can it scale operationally?
   
   
6. Revenue Model & Financial Viability (10 pts)
   ● Is the revenue model clearly explained?
   ● Is pricing realistic?
   ● Are financial projections reasonable?
   ● Does the business demonstrate understanding of costs and profitability?
   ● Can revenue realistically cover expenses?
   
   
7. Operations & Execution Plan (10 pts)
   ● Is there a clear plan for production or service delivery?
   ● Are resources sufficient to execute?
   ● Is growth operationally achievable?
   
   
8. Leadership & Management Capacity (10 pts)
   ● Does the founder/team demonstrate relevant experience?
   ● Do they show the ability to execute and grow?
   ● Do they exhibit coachability and strategic awareness?
   
   
9. Use of Funds & Growth Impact (10 pts)
   ● Is the funding request clearly defined?
   ● Is the proposed use of funds strategic?
   ● Will funding drive measurable business growth?
   
   
10. Overall Presentation Effectiveness (10 pts)
    Judges should consider:
    ● Clarity and structure of the pitch
    ● Ability to communicate confidently and concisely
    ● Logical flow of ideas
    ● Effective use of visuals
    ● Professionalism and time management
    ● Overall persuasiveness of the presentation

 

See Example of Pitch Below