The SBA Patriot Pitch Competition: Your Idea. Your Shot. Your Moment.

Since the United States’ founding in 1776, entrepreneurial innovation has transformed lives by turning bold ideas into the American dream of small business ownership. As our nation’s semiquincentennial approaches on July 4, that legacy is not slowing down. It’s actually gaining renewed momentum fueled by policies that put American ingenuity and entrepreneurs in the forefront.

New business formations are at record highs. Job creation continues to exceed expectations. The America First agenda is driving growth across the nation, and small businesses need additional capital to meet rising demand, particularly in industries like manufacturing.

The Trump Administration has put Main Street small business owners, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers first, especially with the launch of the Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition, a national contest led by the U.S. Small Business Administration to spotlight and further support businesses driving America forward. With a total cash prize pool of $1,000,000 – and the grand prize set at $400,000 thanks to Clover Network, Inc. – the SBA competition celebrates entrepreneurs who do what Americans do best: solve problems, build businesses, and create jobs.

The Patriot Pitch Competition is more than a contest. It is a showcase of grit, talent, and American exceptionalism. It recognizes entrepreneurs who prove that when Americans set their minds to something, whether in a garage, a workshop, a kitchen table, or on a factory floor, they get things done while supporting their local economies.

Each SBA District Office will have a winner. Those winners will then be judged on a regional level, with 10 semifinalists across the nation. The top 10 semifinalists will be announced this summer at the Great American State Fair, and five finalists will advance to the live pitch competition in Washington, D.C., culminating in $1 million in prizes to recognize the innovation and ambition that have powered American ingenuity for more than two and a half centuries.

Eligible applicants must have at least three years of operating history, generate a minimum of $100,000 in annual revenue, have utilized one or more SBA capital products including 7(a) loans and the Paycheck Protection Program, 504 loans, microloans, SBIR/STTR awards, SBIC financed small business concerns. Small business also must be fully owned by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, in addition to demonstrating innovation within their sector, using new technologies or strategies to modernize operations and strengthen their competitive edge. See full Terms and Conditions for additional details.

For 250 years, American growth has been fueled by small businesses—the job creators, risk takers, and makers. The Patriot Pitch Competition puts that proud tradition front and center, shining a national spotlight on the businesses shaping America’s future.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET. I encourage small business owners to submit their applications not only to celebrate their own accomplishments, but to celebrate our Nation’s 250^th birthday knowing that small businesses contribute every day to the growth and prosperity of the United States. More information about the contest can be found here: Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition.