2026 Procurement Summit Pitch Competition
Veteran, military spouse, or Gold Star entrepreneurs—whether aspiring or recently established—will have the chance to present their businesses to a panel of judges at the NC Vet Biz 2026 Procurement Summit & Business Expo.
NEW requirement for 2026
At least one presenting team member must register for and attend BOTH the Pitch Workshop AND the Pitch Preparation sessions.
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Pitch Workshop — Monday, October 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. EST (Virtual)
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Pitch Practice — Monday, October 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. EST (Virtual)
Application deadline for the Pitch Competition is October 9, 2026
process overview
Prizes:
The following cash prizes will be presented to the top 3 entrepreneurs:
1st place: $1,000
2nd place: $750
3rd place: $500
Cost:
There is no additional fee to apply to the Pitch Competition. However, you must purchase a ticket to attend the Procurement Summit. Purchase Procurement Summit tickets here.
Timeline
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October 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m. EST: Pitch Workshop – Virtual/Mandatory
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October 19, 2026, 7:00 p.m. EST: Pitch Practice – Virtual/Mandatory
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October 26, 2026: Pitch Competition at the Procurement Summit & Business Expo
Pitch Format
Presenters will have 3 minutes to present their pitch at the Procurement Summit. The pitch should explain:
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What the business does
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The problem/opportunity the business addresses
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Who the business serves
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The business's current progress or potential
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How the prize money would be used to build or improve the business
The optimal pitch format will be provided during the Pitch Workshop.
Finalist Selection
Each judge will evaluate the presenters using a defined scoring rubric. Following each pitch, judges will have up to five minutes to ask clarifying questions and provide constructive feedback. After all presentations, the judges will hold a brief deliberation and then announce the top three pitches. The finalists will be awarded first, second, and third place cash prizes based on the judges’ scores.
NC Vet Biz Competition Eligibility Rules
1. Veteran Affiliation Requirement:
At least one presenting team member must be:
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A veteran of the United States military, or
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The spouse of a veteran, or
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A Gold Star family member.
2. Veteran Ownership Standards:
The veteran ownership (or contemplated ownership, if still in pre-startup) must be:
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Real
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Substantial
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Continuing
3. Decision-Making Authority:
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The veteran owner must have independent authority to make day-to-day business decisions.
4. Business Age and Size:
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Business must either be in the pre-startup phase or in operation for three years or less.
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Existing businesses must not exceed $250,000 in annual revenue.
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Note: Exceptions to this revenue limit may be made on a case-by-case basis by emailing Lindsay_hinger@kenan-flagler.unc.edu.
5. Mandatory Attendance:
At least one presenting team member must:
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Attend the Pitch Workshop on October 12 AND
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Attend the Pitch Practice on October 19 AND
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Attend and present at the Procurement Summit on October 26.
Judging Criteria
Refer to the 2026 Pitch Competition - Judging Criteria document for details
questions?
For questions regarding the Pitch Competition, please contact Lindsay Hinger (Lindsay_hinger@kenan-flagler.unc.edu)
Pitch Competition
application & workshop registration
Thank you for your interest in applying to pitch at the 2026 NC Vet Biz Procurement Summit & Business Expo.
This pitch competition is designed to spotlight veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, and innovative business concepts that are ready to grow, scale, or gain visibility in front of business leaders, procurement professionals, corporate partners, government representatives, lenders, and community stakeholders. Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their business, concept, product, or service during the summit and compete for recognition and potential award funding.
IMPORTANT: In order to pitch at the summit, at least one presenting team member must:
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Attend the Pitch Workshop on October 12, 7:00 p.m. EST AND
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Attend the Pitch Practice on October 19, 7:00 p.m. EST AND
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Attend and present at the Procurement Summit on October 26.
Application deadline for the Pitch Competition is October 9, 2026