Eligibility & Judging Criteria

To be eligible, business must:

• Have less than 50 employees
• Be past the idea stage and have a track record of serving customers.
• Be a for-profit company
• Not be part of a franchise
• Not be a former or current client of the IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship. (The owners and/or founders of the business also cannot be a former or current client.)
• Not be a former South Side Pitch finalist.
• Demonstrate connection to the South Side. At minimum, your primary business location must be on the South Side. We define the South Side as any community area below Roosevelt Road. If you own a home-based business or do not have a physical location for your business then your place of residency should be on the South Side.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older
• Make less than $1 million in annual revenue

Judging Criteria/Guidelines

• Business Impact: What meaningful change has your business created?
  • For example: How has your business had a positive impact in your own life or the lives of your employees, neighborhood, and customers? Does your business offer a product that solves a pressing problem for consumers? Did your business improve your community by bringing jobs or a much-needed good/service? Has it brought wealth or generated revenue for yourself or for others in your community?
• Business Vision:  How would receiving additional funds enable your business plans for growth?
  • For example: What project would the $10,000 grand prize support? What investments are you making into the next phase of your business? Why should the community be excited about your business’s future?
• Creativity: How has creativity helped you grow your business or adapt in light of challenges?
  • For example: Did you adjust your business plan when you were not making enough sales or revenue? Did your product or service lead to an industry change or a new way to tackle an existing problem? Have you deployed creativity in creating a market for your business, finding funding, or attracting a customer base?
• South Side Connection: Does the business have deep roots on the South Side?
  • For example: Was the founder or current owner born or raised in the South Side? Has the business been located in the South Side for many years? Does the business have an important presence in a South Side neighborhood?
• Showmanship: Will you be able to bring an energetic and enthusiastic pitch that will inspire the audience?
  • For example: Are you able to motivate the audience to invest in and support your business? What inspired you to become an entrepreneur or start a business?