What is South Side Pitch?
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. 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.
Apply here! Applications open from June to August 2023
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
Last Year’s Winners
Bronzeville
Moor’s Brewing Company
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…
South Side Pitch 2022
1st Place
South Chicago
The Record Track
Revolutionary Record Store
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…
South Side Pitch 2022
2nd Place, Community Favorite Award
Washington Heights & South Loop
That’s So Creative LLC
Full-Service Creative & Marketing Agency
I strive to inspire others that you can succeed despite your background or how you grew up. I’m a proud south sider–born and raised in various locations from Auburn Gresham, to Grand Crossing/Chatham to South…
South Side Pitch 2022
3rd Place
Garfield Ridge
Healthy Substance
Mexican Food: Delicious, Authentic, & Vegan
Our story begins nearly a decade ago when founder Patricia Gonzalez first turned vegan for health and wellness reasons. Two years after that Patricia’s husband was diagnosed with lung cancer. When she heard the devastating…
South Side Pitch 2022
4th Place
Hyde Park
T’Kor Couture
Black-owned luxury fashion
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…
South Side Pitch 2022
5th Place
