Pitch Contest - Please Read all Rules and Requirements -

DEADLINE TO REGISTER - Aug. 2, 2026

Top 4 Accelerated Pitch winners from WBEC-West RPO Pitch Contest will be awards a slot at the WBENC Virtual Semi finals

2 Winners from each - Products and Services

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Event Dates & Times:
August 25, 2026 - WBE`s who have products
August 26, 2026 - WBE`s who provide services
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (PST)

The 2026 WBENCPitch RPO Impact competition is focused on storytelling and impact. In this everchanging business landscape, it is critical now more than ever for business owners to effectively communicate beyond their capabilities or the problem they solve. This program provides the coaching, development, and the platform for WBE’s to communicate their business impact to WBEC-West network stakeholders.

WBENC National Awards/Prizes:

The competition will feature two separate categories – Products and Services.

Each category will award two (2) winners.

1. First Place: $25K
2. Runner Up: 2027 Complimentary WBENC National Conference Registration

Requirements:

• Participant must currently be WBENC certified in good standing, unless otherwise specified
  by the competition guidelines.
• Participant delivering the pitch in all competition rounds must be a primary owner of the
  company.
• Participant must pitch an existing business solution that is currently ready for market or
  already in market, not a future endeavor in need of an investment.

2026 Theme:
Continuing from the work we started in 2025 around telling WBE Impact Stories across the network, the 2026 WBENC National Conference theme is IMPACT as well.

WBENC defines IMPACT as the measurable and meaningful influence that businesses create every day. It’s reflected in jobs generated, revenue growth, innovative solutions, and strengthened supply chains, and it doesn’t stop there! IMPACT is a journey that extends beyond numbers, driving progress, sustainability, and community development. Each decision, partnership, and breakthrough creates a ripple effect that reaches employees, families, industries, and economies.

The theme for this year’s program is IMPACT. In this ever-changing business landscape, it is critical now more than ever for business owners to effectively communicate beyond their capabilities or the problem they solve. This program provides the coaching, development, and the platform for WBE’s to tell their impact story.

Judges Scoring Criteria:  

• Introduction& Closing - Did the pitch have a thoughtful & unique introduction that grabbed & held your attention, and a powerful closing?
• Problem & Solution- Did the pitch feature a clear business description including a problem/solution?
• Value- Did the pitch explain the company value & competitive advantage?
• Presentation- Was the overall presentation powerful, captivating, and professional?
• *Impact- Did the pitch make a memorable IMPACT and leave you wanting more information?

WBENCPitch Academy

•5/1/26 | 12:00-2:00 PM EST | Define Your Story
•6/5/26 | 12:00-2:00 PM EST | Differentiate Your Pitch *pre-conference pitch prep session*
•7/24/26 | 12:00-2:00 PM EST | Define Your Impact
•8/14/26 | 12:00-2:00 PM EST | Get in the Hot Seat
•9/11/25 | 12:00-2:00 PM EST | Get in the Hot Seat

Visit WBENC National for more details on the WBENCPitch Academy