Watch the live stream on YouTube!
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.
South Side Pitch will be at the Polsky Exchange North Center on October 20th, from 6 PM – 8:30 PM! RSVP below now to secure your set.
Event Details
Time: 6 PM to 8:30 PM, Thursday October 20th
Location: The Polsky Exchange North
1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
’22 South Side Pitch Finalists:
This year’s Finalists will be pitching LIVE in front of an audience at the Polsky Exchange North for the first time in three years. Like what you see? RSVP above and secure your seat for the show on October 20th!
The People’s Choice Finalist:
T’Kor Couture | Woodlawn
Black-Owned Luxury Fashion Brand
T’KOR Couture is a Black-owned luxury fashion brand that specializes in handmade crochet clothing and accessories. T’KOR was founded by Dinah T’kor Clottey in the midst of the global pandemic and fight for Black Lives in the summer of 2020. At the time, Dinah was a rising third year at the University of Chicago, and to escape the painful events that were happening around her, Dinah came to crochet. Soon, fashion became the vessel in which Dinah poured her heart and soul into to bring back some light in those dark times.
Read more about their story here and get ready for South Side Pitch!
Healthy Substance | Garfield Ridge
Mexican food: Delicious, Authentic, & Vegan
Healthy Substance began nearly a decade ago when founder Patricia Gonzalez first turned vegan for her health and wellness when her husband battled cancer and she discovered a vegan Al Pastor recipe that could satisfy even the most experienced Mexican food lover.
Read more about their story here and get ready for South Side Pitch!
Moor’s Brewing Company | Bronzeville
Chicago’s Black Owned Beer
Moor’s Brewing Company was founded by Damon Patton, Jamhal Johnson and Anthony Bell, all born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. In 1994, while attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the three formed lifelong friendships and have pursued entrepreneurial excellence ever since.
Read more about their story here and get ready for South Side Pitch!
The Record Track | South Chicago
Music & Entertainment Since 1990
When Clifton Muhammad earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, he didn’t imagine owning a small record store. His career had been mostly about helping multinational companies make money and getting more returns on their investment – until he inherited the Record Track, and something unexpected happened…
Read more about their story here and get ready for South Side Pitch!
That’s So Creative LLC | Washington Heights & South Loop
Full-Service Creative & Marketing Agency
That’s So Creative was born out of a heart to serve businesses and help them grow. In 2016, CJ Harris left her full-time position in design and communications for a large nonprofit to start her own company. CJ has always had a passion for marketing while also working as a freelancer with small businesses and organizations. Knowing the path she wanted to follow, CJ sought out additional business and marketing training to expand her capacity to serve clients.
Read more about her story here and get ready for South Side Pitch!
South Side Pitch ’22: Semifinalist Profiles
A big thank you to everyone who applied this year – Check out this year’s Semifinalists Profiles below. These incredible businesses are building, hiring, and inspiring their communities every day here on Chicago’s South Side.
Click on a Semifinalist to learn more about their journey and watch their Semifinalist Pitch on YouTube!
Share Our Flier & Spread the Word!
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.
Watch the Semifinalist Pitch Videos by Clicking the Logos Below:
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