Area business groups seeks entrepreneurs to compete in Piedmont Pitch

In just over three months, the Piedmont Ascent Small Business Conference will take place at Piedmont Virginia Community College. One program scheduled for the May 29 is a business contest known as the Piedmont Pitch and applications are being taken now.

“Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Charlottesville and Albemarle can apply for an opportunity to pitch for up to $15,000 in prize money,” reads a webpage belonging to the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center.

To apply, someone has to be an existing small business or ready to start one. Participants must have an active business license in either Albemarle County or Charlottesville by July 1, 2025.

The Piedmont Pitch program is part of a business training program backed by the economic development departments of both localities. Applicants do not have to submit a complete business plan, but completeness is one of the criteria that will determine the six groups that will compete on stage.

Those selected will have to meet with an advisor with CVSBDC or be a current client of their services.

“All participants will have the opportunity to participate in the Business Essentials Training On Demand and earn the Business Essentials Training Certificate,” the CVSBDC page continues. “This training is offered at no charge, courtesy of the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and Albemarle County Economic Development.”

Applications are due on March 14, 2025.

Before you go: The purpose of journalism is to bring people information about items happening outside of their usual frames of reference. At least, that’s part of the ethos of Charlottesville Community Engagement, a newsletter published by Town Crier Productions. This segment was originally published in the March 3, 2025 edition. TCP is a business venture, a start-up, and hopeful that other people with ideas can get a way to see if they can turn them into a living.