Applications open on Monday, June 15, 2026 to Monday August 3, 2026!
To make your application as strong as possible, we recommend you learn about our process of judging and the way we evaluate contestants by visiting our FAQ and Rules page!
If you still have questions, please contact the IJ Clinic.
Add the South Side Pitch application deadline to your calendar!
Learn more about former South Side Pitch finalists’ experiences and advice!
Learn why you should apply from these finalists!
Prizes
With over $40,000 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 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.
*The Audience Favorite award is a cash award chosen by the audience that acknowledges the South Side Pitch finalist that receives the highest score for their pitch.
*The South Side Sensation award is a cash award chosen by the audience that acknowledges the South Side Pitch finalist that demonstrates exemplary social impact and showmanship for their business as a South Side resident.
