South Side Pitch

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.

A big thank you to everyone who applied this year – we’re currently reviewing applications and excited to announce the next phase of the competition soon. Stay tuned for more information!

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.

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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: APPLICATIONS CLOSED!

Thank you to everyone who applied and helped spread the word! We received over one hundred appplications for the 9th Annual South Side Pitch, and our team is working hard to make sure each one is reviewed fairly, appropriately, and in a timely manner. Get ready for the Semifinalist Season next month!

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.

Questions? Email clinic@ij.org.