Full Competition Rules

Pitch for Success: A Speed Pitch Competition

The Chamber of Commerce Serving Duchesne County, in collaboration with WBCUtah, proudly presents Pitch for Success—a speed pitch competition designed to provide entrepreneurs and business start-ups in Duchesne County, Ballard, and Fort Duchesne with funding opportunities. Contestants will have the chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of five judges, competing for a share of over $20,000 in cash prizes.

This competition focuses on an entrepreneur’s ability to deliver a compelling pitch that persuades judges in favor of a new or existing business, product, or service, including funding needs for business growth and development. Judges will engage with contestants and score each participant based on their pitch presentation and Q&A session. Evaluations will be based on business viability, market research, customer traction, and overall feasibility. Prizes will be awarded to the top competitors. In addition to cash prizes, finalists will gain valuable business exposure and access to mentorship opportunities.

Competition Prizes

• First Place: $5,000
• Second Place: $4,000
• Third Place: $2,500
• Fourth Place: $2,000
• Fifth Place: $1,500
• Sixth - Tenth Place: $1,000 Each
• Category Specific Awards sponsored by Local Businesses and Organizations

Eligibility

• Open to business owners and entrepreneurs in Duchesne County, Ballard, and Fort Duchesne.
• The business must be a current member of the Chamber of Commerce Serving Duchesne County. If not yet a member, businesses can sign up today by reaching out to the Chamber for immediate assistance. You will still be eligible for the competition if signed up for membership BEFORE March 31, 2025.
  
• This competition is open to both new business concepts and existing businesses seeking funding or resources to support their growth or promotional efforts. Contestants may apply with innovative concepts, ongoing projects, or expansions of current operations.
• The business concept or initiative must be the original work of the contestant(s), with any innovations to existing products or services disclosed in the application.
• Contestant(s) business must be located in Duchesne County, Ballard, or Fort Duchesne.
• The business must have a valid EIN and be a registered entity with the State of Utah.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• Businesses or concepts deemed offensive, immoral, or unethical by event organizers may be disqualified.

Participation Rules

1. Submissions may be entered as individuals or teams (maximum of two people per team).
2. Each contestant or team may submit only one business idea, concept, or initiative for consideration, whether it’s for a new venture
   or an existing business seeking funding for growth or expansion.
3. Contestants may only participate in one pitch.
4. Only the pitching individual(s) may answer questions from the judges.

Key Competition Dates & Format

📅 Applications Open: March 1 – March 31, 2025
📅 Round 1 Mandatory Meeting: April 8th at 6 PM at the Crossroads Center, Roosevelt, Utah
📅 Round 1 Essays Due: April 18th (by 11:59 PM)
📅 Top 10 Announced: April 22, 2025
📅 Final Round & Live Pitch: May 6, 2025 6 PM at the Crossroads Center, Roosevelt, UT (Dinner Provided)

🎟 Tickets for public attendance: Available April 8 – May 2, 2025

Preliminary & Final Competition Rules

1. Round 1 (Essay Submission): Applicants will submit essays describing their business idea or how they plan to utilize the funding to support growth, expansion, or other business initiatives..
   Judges will evaluate submissions and select the top 10 to advance.
2. Finalists will be notified by email on April 22nd and announced on the Chamber of Commerce's social media platforms.
   
3. Round 2 (Live Pitch): The top 10 will deliver a 3-minute pitch before a live audience and panel of judges.
4. Q&A Round: Judges will have up to 3 minutes to ask follow-up questions.
5. Media Usage: Contestants may use slides (max 5 slides), product samples, or visual aids. Contestants must provide their own device for the Live Final Pitch Round; a TV screen with HDMI capability will be provided.
6. Advancement & Judging: The top contestants will be determined by judge scoring and audience engagement.

Disclosure & Confidentiality

Confidentiality is not guaranteed at any stage of the competition. The Chamber of Commerce Serving Duchesne County, WBCUtah, and event partners accept no responsibility for preventing other contestants, judges, sponsors, or audience members from sharing ideas presented during the competition. Contestants are advised not to disclose proprietary information and are encouraged to consult with legal counsel if necessary. By entering, contestants acknowledge that Pitch for Success and its organizers are not liable for confidentiality disputes.

Media & Publicity Release

By participating in Pitch for Success, contestants grant permission to the Chamber of Commerce Serving Duchesne County and event organizers to photograph, video, and publicly share content for promotional purposes. Any content presented during the competition may be considered public disclosure.

Prize Money & Tax Responsibility

Prize money will be awarded to businesses within 30 days of the final competition. Winners must submit a W9 form  and invoice to the Chamber of Commerce before receiving funds. Recipients are responsible for any tax implications  associated with their winnings. Funds must be used in accordance with the business proposal presented during the competition.