Your South Side Pitch Application - Institute for Justice

South Side Pitch 2026 Application

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! (https://ij.org/ij-clinic-on-entrepreneurship/south-side-pitch/faq-rules/) If you still have questions, please contact the IJ Clinic via the contact form.

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Step 1 of 3

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Eligibility

Check the business eligibility statements below that are true.*

My business has fewer than 50 employees.

My business is a for-profit company. Not a nonprofit.

My business made less than $1 million in annual revenue in 2025.

My business is not part of a franchise.

My business is not a former South Side Pitch finalist.

My business is not a former or current client of the IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship.

My business is headquartered within the limits of the City of Chicago and south of Roosevelt Road. If the business is home-based or does not have a physical location, then my place of residency is within the limits of the City of Chicago and south of Roosevelt Road.

My business is past the idea stage (has a track record of serving customers or is pre-revenue with a prototype).

Check the individual eligibility statements below that are true.*

For reference, please see the Eligibility Requirements to Compete section on the FAQs and Rules page on the South Side Pitch website: https://ij.org/ij-clinic-on-entrepreneurship/south-side-pitch/faq-rules/. If none of the below statements apply, then you are not eligible for South Side Pitch. These requirements are applicable to at least one owner or founder of the eligible business, who will pitch the business on a semifinalist video and in-person at the finals if selected.

I am an owner or founder of an eligible business.

I am a legal resident of Illinois and am currently located in Illinois at the time of entry to compete in South Side Pitch.

I am 18 years of age or older.

I am not a director, officer, owner or founder, immediate family member, or household member of a former or current client or employee of the Institute for Justice.

Business Information

Legal Business Name*

For LLCs, corporations, and registered entities — enter the name on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. Sole proprietors may enter your full legal name, trade name, or DBA if you have one.

Website of Business*

If your business does not have a website or social media account, please write in “N/A”.

Most Recent Business Revenue for 2025 in USD (approximate to nearest $10,000)*

Please list the approximate revenue the business made in 2025.

How many years have you been in business?*

Business Address*

Please list your apartment/suite/unit number under Address Line 2!

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

How did you hear about South Side Pitch?*

Facebook

Instagram

IJ Clinic Emails

Non-IJ Clinic Emails

Other (Events, Physical fliers)

What industry does your business operate in?*

Retail & E-Commerce

Manufacturing & Production

Food & Hospitality

Technology & Software

Healthcare & Wellness

Financial Services

Construction & Real Estate

Education & Training

Creative & Media

Professional Services

Transportation & Logistics

Trades & Home Services

Personal Services

Agriculture & Environment

Entertainment & Events

What service(s) or product(s) does the business offer? Describe what the business does.*