Pitch Night for Lifestyle Businesses

FASO Artist website building image
Calling all storefront dreamers and service-based entrepreneurs!
Do you have a big idea for a business? Whether it’s a trendy clothing boutique, cozy coffee shop, modern barbershop, salon, gift shop, or other type of service business — we want to hear from you!
 
Join us for a Lifestyle Business Pitch Night, where aspiring and current small business owners will pitch their ideas to a panel of Berks LaunchBox advisors, who will serve as the judges. Each participant will have 5–7 minutes to share their concept.
 
Finalists selected to pitch will receive $125 and support from our law clinic to help register an LLC or put the funds toward other business needs.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three pitches:
🥇 1st Place: $1,000
🥈 2nd Place: $600
🥉 3rd Place: $400

Let your idea shine and connect with a supportive entrepreneurial community!

Open to: Retail shops, salons, barbers, restaurants, and other service-based businesses making under $200,000 in gross revenue.

–
Interested in pitching? Here’s how to apply:
  1. Submit Your Application: Complete the short application form to tell us about your business concept and why you’d be a great fit for this pitch event.
  2. Rolling Review: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We will accept businesses that best match the event focus.
  3. First Come, First Considered: Application final due date is May 19 but spots will be offered to strong candidates as applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early. Space is limited!
  4. Notification: Final decisions and notifications will be sent by May 23. However, spots may fill before then if capacity is reached.
  5. Build your pitch: From date you are accepted to June 16 – A pitch outline, training videos and direct help are provided by the Berks LaunchBox. Work on it early so you have time to practice!
  6. Practice your pitch: With friends and family and the LaunchBox staff and get feedback for improvement: June 16-20. Well thought out pitches will compete on June 25.
  7. Final Pitch Event: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Free – at the Berks LaunchBox. Everyone who pitches that night will be able to fill out forms to request $125 to form an LLC or use for other business needs and could win up to $1000 in prize money. The 1st place winner will have the opportunity to move on to another pitch competition.

Not sure if you should apply? Contact Seth Shriner to discuss it: sxs6835@psu.edu

Apply Today