SE Valley Times

Rio Salado College is offering a chance for student entrepreneurs to advance their small businesses through the Small Business Pitch event. The initiative, in collaboration with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), provides grant-funded prizes to support students' business ventures.

Applications must be submitted by March 10, 2025, with pitch videos due by April 7. The contest offers monetary awards to the top four participants: $2,500 for first place, $2,000 for second place, $1,500 for third place, and $800 for fourth place. The funds are intended as reimbursement for eligible business expenses such as website costs, legal fees, marketing efforts, and necessary equipment purchases.

To qualify, applicants need to be enrolled at Rio Salado College in at least three credit hours. They should have an active business of at least six months that generates income or sales. Participants must also agree to meet with assigned Rio Salado Faculty and SBDC within 30 days of selection if they win.

Students interested in participating should prepare an application along with a separate pitch video. Required documents include proof of IRS Tax ID number (EIN), evidence of a legal entity setup through the Arizona Corporation Commission or other state organization, and a simple business plan. Templates for structuring business plans are available on the Small Business Pitch site.

For more information or assistance with applications, students can contact lily.davidov@riosalado.edu.