Pitch Contest 2026: How to Enter + What to Expect

March Madness is coming, and this year we’re bringing the excitement to child entrepreneurship.

The Pitch Contest 2026 is a chance for child entrepreneurs to share their ideas, practice pitching, and gain real-world experience while competing for meaningful prizes.

Whether your child already owns a business or has an idea they’re dreaming about, this contest is designed to celebrate creativity, confidence, and initiative.

🎤 How to Enter

To enter the Pitch Contest, child entrepreneurs will submit a 60-second video pitch.

The pitch should include:

• The business they own or want to own
• What their business does or will do
• Why the idea matters to them

The video does not need to be professionally filmed. A phone video is perfect. What matters most is clarity, enthusiasm, and effort.

📅 Important Dates

February 15
Submissions open for the initial playoff round.

March 1 – Selection Sunday
Our Pitch Committee selects the Top 16 pitches from all submissions. These finalists are announced on our social media platforms.

March – Public Voting Rounds

• Voting runs Sunday through Saturday each week
• A new bracket opens every Sunday
• Community votes determine who advances

April 1
The Pitch Contest Champion is announced.

🏆 Prizes

The winning entrepreneur will receive exciting prizes, including:

• Double booth space at our April Children’s Business Fair
• The opportunity to showcase their business to a larger audience
• Recognition across SoCE platforms

Additional prizes may be announced as the contest progresses.

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents and Supporters

This contest is about learning, growth, and confidence. While public voting is part of the experience, the focus remains on encouraging child entrepreneurs to share their ideas, tell their stories, and practice leadership skills in a supportive environment.

We encourage families and communities to cheer loudly, share respectfully, and celebrate every participant’s courage to pitch.

🚀 Ready to Pitch?

Submissions open February 15.
The only thing left to do is start practicing.

Have an idea?
Tell the world.

Ignite. Empower. Lead.