South Side Pitch is an annual event hosted by the Institute for Justice’s Clinic on Entrepreneurship, showcasing inventive, inspiring, impactful entrepreneurs from the South Side of Chicago.
Small business owners get the chance to stand in the spotlight and pitch to win prizes.
Get ready to be wowed by your community of entrepreneurs this South Side Pitch, 2022!
What is the South Side Pitch?
Every year, small businesses across the South Side of Chicago participate in this business competition where Applicants compete to win several great prizes. Our goal is to highlight inspirational individuals determined to improve their lives and their community.
Who Should Apply?
South Side Pitch is a competition for all South Siders who own a business and have a passion to pitch. The application below walks you through the eligibility requirements. Check out last year’s Finalists, and you’ll see our competition isn’t limited to any one industry! It’s all about what you bring to the table.
South Side Pitch Application: DEADLINE EXTENDED!
This year, South Side Pitch is looking to celebrate South Side entrepreneurs by highlighting the impact their businesses have. South Side Pitch offers small business owners an opportunity to pitch in front of a city-wide audience to share their success story and for the chance to win cash prizes.
The judges will be looking for South Side businesses that can demonstrate a positive contribution to an individual life, community, or industry. For example, perhaps your business has improved your financial situation, led to a change in an industry, brought jobs to your community, or introduced a much-needed good or service to your neighborhood. Judges will also look at ways business owners have demonstrated creativity while growing their businesses. How has creativity contributed to the success of your business? How have you adapted to the many curveballs life throws at entrepreneurs?
We also want South Side entrepreneurs to be able to use their pitch to inspire the audience and encourage the public to invest in them. Thus, it is important that you explain why and how the cash prize would help your business and exhibit showmanship when delivering your pitch.
The South Side Pitch Application deadline has been extended to AUGUST 8th! This is your last chance to apply for a chance to win First Place’s $10,000 Grand Prize!
Questions? Email clinic@ij.org.
South Side Pitch’s General Timeline
August 1, 2022
Apply to South Side Pitch! DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Apply to South Side Pitch by August 8th, 2022 to be considered for the semifinalist stage.
September 2022
Semifinalist Season
Submit Your Video Pitch! People’s Choice is Guaranteed a Prize.
October 2022
Finalist Coaching
Join IJCE & Pitching experts to practice your pitch!
October 20,2022
South Side Pitch!
Live at the Polsky Center, Finalists Pitch to Win the top prize!
PAST sponsors
prior winners
2nd Place (2021)
Piggyback Network
An online youth transportation marketplace for parents and guardians on shared routes
3rd Place (2021)
D. Jones Construction
100% minority-owned, women-owned certified general construction company
South Side Pitch In the News
Past Contestants
South Side Pitch 2022
D. Jones Construction
Full service certified General Construction company About D. JONES construction Location Grand Crossing Contestant Dominique Jones www.djonesconstructionllc.com Year Participated 2021 Status Winner (3rd Place) Videos Pitch…
South Side Pitch 2022
Last Lap Cornerstore
The South Side’s Specialty Running Store About LAST LAP CORNERSTORE Location Bronzeville Contestant Ian Gonzalez www.lastlapcornerstore.co Year Participated 2021 Status Finalist (Audience Favorite) South…
South Side Pitch 2021
Sista Afya
Community Mental Wellness centering around Black women. About Sista Afya Location South Shore Contestant Camesha Jones www.sistaafya.com Year Participated 2021 Status Winner (1st Place) Video Pitch Video Live Pitch…
South Side Pitch 2021
Piggyback Network
Where Community Meets Commute About Piggyback network Location Beverly Contestant Ismael El-Amin www.piggybacknetwork.com Year Participated 2021 Status Winner (2nd Place) South Side Pitch Home…
South Side Pitch 2020
The Lemonade Land
Pop-up Market for Micro Black-Owned Businesses in South Shore, Greater Grand Crossing, and Woodlawn Area About lemonade land Location South Shore Contestant Saba Favor www.thelemonadelande.com Year Participated 2020…
South Side Pitch 2020
New Magnolia Garden Center Inc
A U-pick farm and garden center located in Back of the Yards. About new Magnolia garden center Location Back of the Yards Contestant Letia Gadberry www.newmagnoliagarden.com Year Participated 2020…
South Side Pitch 2019
Dinobi Detergent
Safe, Effective, All-Natural Plant-Based Laundry Detergent About Dinobi detergent Location South Shore Contestant Augie & Sylvia Emuwa www.dinobidetergent.com Year Participated 2019 Status Winner (1st Place)…
South Side Pitch 2019
Wash on Wheels
South Side Pitch 2019