How it works

Anyone in the 10-counties surrounding Charlotte can submit an idea. It only takes a minute.

  • Ideas in the form of a 53-second video can be submitted online May 1 thru May 31, 2023.
  • Entry is limited to residents in the following NC counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union.
  • The 53 finalists will be announced in early June 2023. 
  • Mid-June finalists participate in online training sessions to help prepare for the next round.
  • The 53 finalists pitch the week of July 10, 2023 (on July 10, 11, or 12) for a chance to place as a top semi-finalists.  
  • The top ten semi-finalists will be announced on Monday, July 17, 2023. Watch our social channels for the reveal. 
  • The top ten compete for first, second and third place at Virtual Pitch Day which will be broadcast to a public audience.
Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more details.

Awards

  • First place winner $10,000
  • Second place winner $  5,000
  • Third place winner $  2,500
  • Top 10 finalists $     250                              

2023 Pitch Day Winners

Business  Contestant Prize 
 Jexsii, LLC Tequia Williams 1st Place - $10,000
 Just Jo's Jo'Von Wright 2nd Place - $5,000
 planTELLgive Shane Fraser & David Casper 3rd Place - $2,500

2023 Top Ten Finalists

Business  Contestant
 Blessings in a Box Lewis Adams
 Diagnosketch Pages Sapana Adhikari
 PlanTellGive Shane Fraser & David Casper
 M & M Suit Shop Morgan & Margaret Hodge
 GamourBae Kaylan Joseph
 Moving Little Minds Melissa McCall
 The Keys to Piano Christopher Singleton, Sr.
 WH Farms Co. Q. Nicole Vanderhorst
 Jexsii, LLC Tequia Williams
 Just Jo's Jo'Von Wright

Competition Entry

Entries for the 53 Ideas Pitch Competition are closed. When you are ready to record or upload your 53-second business idea click the button below. Recording and uploading will vary based on the device you are using to submit your entry.  If you need instructions to record or upload check out these available guides. 



Training Events

Our goal is not only to help you perfect your pitch but to help you learn how to turn your idea into a viable business. As part of this initiative we will have a period for preparation leading up to the round two pitches which will include no cost training and counseling.

53 Ideas: Business Model Canvas
Tuesday, June 13; 4-6 pm
Register now

                                                              


53 Ideas: Customer Discovery
Wednesday, June 14; 4-6 pm
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53 Ideas: Understanding the Pitch
Thursday, June 15; 4-6 pm
Register now
                                                              


53 Ideas: Figuring Out Your Financials
Tuesday, June 20; 4-6 pm
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53 Ideas: Your Business Bankable
    

Wednesday, June 21; 4-6 pm
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    53 Ideas: Polishing Your Pitch
          
Thursday, June 22; 4-6pm
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