The Biz Foundry
Start Here Pitch Competition 2026
Key facts
- Deadline
- Due Oct 28, 2026 · 18 days left
- Award size
- $2,500 – $10K
- Match ?
- Not required · Work out your budget and match
- Who can apply
- Small business
- Where
- Cannon County, Clay County, Cumberland County, DeKalb County, Fentress County, Jackson County, Macon County, Overton County, Pickett County, Putnam County, Smith County, Van Buren County, Warren County, White County
How this fits you
- Local program: Cannon County, Clay County, Cumberland County, DeKalb County and 10 more counties
- No match required
Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.
About this grant
A pitch competition for new or early-stage businesses with a tie to the Upper Cumberland (started, starting or moving there) that aim to grow past $1 million in sales. Prizes are $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500, plus an audience prize. Six finalists get free coaching before pitch night on Nov 18, 2026.
Official notice: https://thebizfoundry.org/start-here-pitch-competition/ · Printed from grantme.click/grants/32f169e8-b029-458f-955a-e6c01cfd308c
Your schedule, working back from the deadline
- Oct7
Ask partners for letters of support or commitment (already past: do it now)
Suggested: partners need about three weeks to write and sign letters. - Oct21
Finish a complete draft for a final review
Suggested: leave about a week for someone else to read the draft. - Oct25
Submit
Suggested: submit a few days early in case the form or email has trouble. - Oct28
Deadline
From the funder.
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