Attention Los Angeles area Veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners!
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a nation-wide initiative celebrating 250 years of American free enterprise and innovation. If your business has utilized SBA capital products to scale, innovate, and create jobs, this is your chance to showcase your grit on a national stage and compete for a share of a $1 million cash prize pool funded by Clover Network, Inc..
In addition to the massive prize pool, finalists will head to Washington, D.C., to be a major part of the Freedom 250 celebrations, pitch live before notable judges, and access exclusive networking and supplier matchmaking events.
What Judges Are Looking For
Submissions will undergo four stages of evaluation. Panels will judge your small business based on how it performs in these key categories:
- Strengthening American Competitiveness: How your business helps the U.S. stay ahead globally.
- Punching Above Your Weight: Innovating and making an outsized impact within your industry.
Economic Impact: Delivering quality jobs and economic opportunity. - Business Fundamentals: Strong execution readiness and solid business practices.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this competition, your business must meet specific criteria, including utilizing qualifying SBA funding.
Your business must:
- Be headquartered, operated, and 100% owned by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (aged 18+).
- Have a minimum of 3 years in operation.
- Have a gross annual revenue of at least $100,000.
- Be current and in good standing on all federal obligations.
- Have benefited from one or more of the following SBA capital products:
- 7(a) loans (including Paycheck Protection Program / PPP loans)
- 504 loans
- Microloan Intermediary loans
- SBIR / STTR funded entities
- SBIC financed small business concerns
(Note: COVID-19 EIDL or SBA Disaster loans do not qualify you for this competition on their own).
Please note: Finalists must be available to travel to Washington, D.C. at their own expense for the live one-day finals event held between September 8–18, 2026.
Important Dates & How to Apply
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to get your business the funding and national recognition it deserves.
- Application Deadline: June 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- Finalist Notifications: July 2026.
- Pitch Finals (Washington, D.C.): A one-day event between September 8–18, 2026.
Ready to Pitch?
For full eligibility terms, detailed submission instructions, and to submit your application, visit the official page at sba.gov/freedom250.
If you need assistance refining your business fundamentals, sharpening your pitch, or reviewing your application, reach out to the LA VBOC team today. We are here to support our veterans and helping you secure the resources to win!