2025 DSLBD Small Business Week Pitch Competition Application

If selected to pitch, entrepreneurs and small business owners will have the opportunity to deliver a three (3) minute pitch presentation to a panel of expert judges and compete with industry peers for the chance to win up to $2,500 in business funding. 

Eligibility to Apply
This pitch opportunity is only available to District-based businesses that did not participate in the 2024 SBW Pitch Competition and meet the following criteria for their respective pitch category. Please only apply for (1) pitch category.

To qualify, applicants must identify as at least one (1) of the following: 

• Category 1 (6 available slots): a licensed DC-based entity that has previously participated in DSLBD’s We Aspire Pitch and/or Dream Pitch programs between 2021-2024 
• Category 2 (6 available slots): a Made in DC Certified Business
• Category 3 (6 available slots): a Certified Business Enterprise (“CBE”) designated as an Equity Impact Enterprise (“EIE”) 

How To Apply/When 

Eligibility applications are due on or before April 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm EST (no exceptions). There are a limited number of slots available in each pitching category, so please submit your complete eligibility applications early. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted to DSLBD through the online application system. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
 
After the eligibility application closes, DSLBD will review all applications for eligibility and will select pitch applicants via a lottery system. Notifications will be sent via email no later than May 2, 2025 to pitch participants that have been selected to participate in the Pitch Competition on May 7, 2025.  
 
The final deadline to apply is April 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm EST. DSLBD will not accept late applications for any reason. No exceptions.  

Pitch Day Wait List 

Businesses that meet all eligibility requirements, submit a pitch application by the specified deadline AND receive confirmation of eligibility will be considered for the Pitch Day Waitlist. On pitch day, businesses that received a notification of eligibility but were not selected to participate can formally register for the Pitch Day Waitlist. Therefore, it is advisable for businesses interested in registering for the waitlist to arrive promptly as the waitlist will operate in order or arrival. In addition, businesses should send their slide decks by May 2, 2025, and it is recommended they come fully prepared to present their pitch, should they be invited to participate on pitch day.  

However, it is important to note that Pitch Day waitlist registration does NOT guarantee that your business will be able to participate.  
 
For more information, please read and review the Official Rules & Application document for this pitch competition via our website, https://dslbd.dc.gov/SBWPitch2025 

• Professional head shot photo of pitch applicant
• Company logo
• Business must be in good standing with DLCP and be able to provide a valid Certificate of Clean Hands issued by the Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) after January 12, 2025. 

1. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Basic Business License Number
2. Contact information of the business owner who participated in Aspire Pitch/Dream Pitch between 2021-2024
3. Proof of District Residency: To prove Owner residency please provide (1) of the following: a non-expired ID, voter registration, or utility bill. Both voter registration and utility bills should be in the name of the applicant and utility bills should be dated within the last sixty days. To prove Employee residency, please provide a copy of the UC-30 and current list of full-time employees (contractors are not included) names and addresses.
4. Business must be in good standing with DLCP and be able to provide a valid Certificate of Clean Hands issued by the Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) after January 12, 2025. 

1. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Basic Business License Number
2. Must be a participant in the Made In DC program, having obtained an official approval to the program within the last three years
3. Proof of District Residency: To prove Owner residency please provide (1) of the following: a non-expired ID, voter registration, or utility bill. Both voter registration and utility bills should be in the name of the applicant and utility bills should be dated within the last sixty days. To prove Employee residency, please provide a copy of the UC-30 and current list of full-time employees (contractors are not included) names and addresses.
4. Business must be in good standing with DLCP and be able to provide a valid Certificate of Clean Hands issued by the Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) after January 12, 2025. 

1. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Basic Business License Number
2. Business Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
3. Business must be in good standing with DLCP and be able to provide a valid Certificate of Clean Hands issued by the Office of Tax and Revenue (“OTR”) after January 12, 2025. 

• To correct an application, submit a new application. Older submissions from the same applicant will be automatically rejected.
• Registering to attend the pitch competition is not an application to participate, just to attend the event.  
• All eligible businesses must complete the application by the final deadline AND must have received a confirmation approval email in order to participate in the DC Small Business Week Pitch Competition on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.