Naples SCORE announces the “BizPitch Challenge” 

Most everyone is familiar with the long running “Shark Tank” series on CNBC television. Entrepreneurs with hopeful dreams present their big ideas to a panel of investors in the hope of securing funding to make those dreams come true.

The Naples Chapter of SCORE, who mentor small businesses locally, is thrilled to announce the “BizPitch Challenge,” a first of its kind in Collier and Lee Counties, to be held September 27, 2025.

Entrepreneurs are invited to share their big ideas in a dynamic, live format. Out of the first 50 online applicants, 8 finalists will be selected to present their pitches before a panel of judges. The top 3 winners will split $10,000 in prize money, and gain recognition within the regional business community.

Online applications will be accepted June 2 through July 25, 2025. Applicants must complete a short selection of essay-type questions describing their idea for business growth and submit a 1-minute video with a quick elevator pitch.

Eligibility requirements include the following:

• All applicants must be at least 21 years old
• Business must be located in Collier or Lee Counties
• Business must have been in operation for at least 1 year with gross annual business revenue of not less than $3000
• Firearm, cannabis, adult entertainment, and franchises are NOT eligible
• All questions must be completely answered and presenter at final pitch event must be the business owner or executive of the              company
• Only the first 50 applications received will be considered

SCORE mentors help hundreds of aspiring and established business owners each year. The BizPitch Challenge expands its mission by offering not only guidance, but capital and exposure.

As part of the competition, each of the 8 finalists will receive free business coaching from a qualified SCORE mentor. Entrepreneurs and coaches will work together to build and fine-tune a pitch suitable for the live presentation event.

Coaches will also provide practice sessions and advise on presentation skills. Coaching sessions will run from Augus 16 to September 15, 2025.

Whether you have a bold new product or a creative idea to scale your business. The BizPitch Challenge can offer a powerful platform to accelerate your big idea.

Don’t miss your chance to pitch your dream and work with a team of qualified SCORE experts. To register log on to https://www.score.org/naples/competion-details-bizpitch-challenge-score-naples

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Gray Poehler is a volunteer with the Naples Chapter of SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business. To ask a question or request free and confidential business counseling, call 239-430-0081 or log on to https://www.score.org/naples/local-mentors