What is South Side Pitch?
South Side’s Shark-Tank Style Competition
Every year, small businesses across the South Side of Chicago participate in South Side Pitch, sharing stories about their roots, their impact, and their visions for the future. The contest ends with a shark-tank style event where finalists pitch their businesses to a city-wide audience and a panel of judges for the chance to win cash prizes totaling over $34,000! Our goal is to shine a spotlight on these incredible business owners and inspire others to pursue their dreams and build up their communities through entrepreneurship.
hosted by
South Side Pitch is hosted by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Law School. Located on the South Side, we advocate for economic liberty so that entrepreneurs from Chicago can chart their own courses in life, build up neighborhoods, and create jobs. We provide free legal assistance, access to resources, and advocacy for underserved entrepreneurs in the Chicago area.
Impact
South Side Pitch’s General Timeline
Prizes
With over $34,000 in prizes, the IJ Clinic is spotlighting South Siders with a passion to pitch. Compete against over 100 applicants for one of the top five spots! Each finalist is guaranteed a cash prize at the end of the night.
*The Community Favorite Award is a generous cash award that acknowledges the South Side Pitch finalist that receives the most public votes.
*The Rustandy Center Social Impact Award is a generous cash award of $2,500 that is given to a South Side Pitch finalist chosen by staff from the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
2023 Finalists
Roseland
R City Kitchen
The South Side’s Shared Community Kitchen
As a graduate of Chicago State University majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Rodney always wanted to bring training and education to the food and beverage industry that he loved to Chicago’s Southside. That’s when…
South Side Pitch 2023
1st Place
Morgan Park
JustUs Junkie
Bringing justice from courtrooms to the classrooms
JustUs Junkie began five years ago with a viral video, “4 Things Not To Do If Stopped By Police.” As a criminal defense attorney of 19 years, April Preyar posted the video out of sheer…
South Side Pitch 2023
2nd Place
North Lawndale
BeautySKU
A beauty mobile application for women of color
Shawna Woodruff and her cofounding sisters of BeautySKU know what it feels like to throw their hard-earned money at beauty brands that don’t appreciate them enough to incorporate their foundation shades or create solutions for…
South Side Pitch 2023
3rd Place
Bronzeville and South Shore
Stoviink Creatives
Inspiring Wellness Through Artisanal Crafts & the Creative Arts
As creatives and entrepreneurs, Megan and Marie Turner found it increasingly important to incorporate their South Side stories and experiences into their business products. These stories are at the heart of everything they create, including…
South Side Pitch 2023
4th Place
West Englewood
Englewood Branded
West Englewood’s Clothing Brand
Englewood Branded was born from the love of its community. Being an Englewood resident since the age of 5 years old, Corrie learned the importance of support and saw firsthand how it could help groom…
South Side Pitch 2023
5th Place
