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The Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition is an annual program from the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC), presented in partnership with Cook County Small Business Source, that supports diverse entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who are ready to scale their businesses. Now in its fourth year, the competition provides financial awards, mentorship, and access to the broader minority business development ecosystem.
Eligible participants must be operating a business based in Illinois or specific Northwest Indiana counties and must meet NMSDC Certification Readiness requirements, including 51% minority ownership. The program helps young minority entrepreneurs access capital and connections.
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Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition - Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition Presented by ChicagoMSDC | Sponsored by Cook County Small Business Source The Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition, now in its fourth year, is a high-impact initiative designed to support diverse entrepreneurs owners aged 18–35 who are ready to scale their businesses.
Organized by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC) in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, Allstate and Aetna, this program equips rising entrepreneurs with mentorship, targeted training, funding, and access to certification opportunities.
Professional Mentorship from seasoned business leaders Tailored Training & Capacity-Building Workshops Financial Awards to grow their business NMSDC MBE Certification Support To apply, applicants must: Be between 18–35 years old Operate a business based in Illinois or the following Northwest Indiana counties: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper Meet NMSDC Certification Readiness : 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled U.S.-based, for-profit business Owner-led with daily operational control Note: Immediate family members of the YEP Committee and previous champions are not eligible to participate.
Round 1 – Capacity Building Engagement and Participation are highly encouraged and very important to the overall success of this program and competition. Participants are also automatically enrolled in the Cook County Small Business Source to be connected with small business advising.
Capacity Building Workshop I Capacity Building Workshop II Semifinalists will receive: Capacity Building Workshop III Insight from top-tier businesses Final Round – Pitch Event The opportunity to compete in a live pitch event! 📧 vsmith@chicagomsdc. org Designed by: Computer Decisions, LLC
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Entrepreneurs between 18–35 years old, operating a business based in Illinois or specific Northwest Indiana counties, and meeting NMSDC Certification Readiness (51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled; U. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Financial Awards (unspecified) Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
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Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to four (4) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) that will provide entrepreneurial development services to Native American communities, focusing on supplying services to socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing SBA resources. Eligible applicants must be Tribal Colleges and Universities as defined in the Higher Education Act HEA 316 (U.S.C. 1059c). Funding Opportunity Number: SB-GC7J-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.007. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,ED. Award Amount: Up to $250K per award.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to two (2) private, non-profit organizations that will provide entrepreneurial development services to women, with an emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing WBCs for the District of Columbia (DC) and the State of Oregon. There will be one award for each location. Eligible applicants must be private, non-profit organizations with 501(c) tax exempt status from the U.S. Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service and must provide services to the District of Columbia (DC) and State of Oregon. Funding Opportunity Number: SB-OEDWB-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.043. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,CD,RD. Award Amount: $75K – $150K per award.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase I is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The USDA SBIR/STTR programs support small businesses in creating innovative, disruptive technologies with commercial potential or societal benefit, including projects dealing with agriculturally-related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies. Specialty tubing could be relevant for agricultural equipment or renewable energy systems.