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Welcome to CVMSDC!
Welcome to CVMSDC!
NextGen Pitch! 2026 - Hosted by CVMSDC & Ally Bank
NextGen Pitch! 2026 - Hosted by CVMSDC

Could your business idea change the world? Here’s your chance to prove it.

Submit your entry to the 2026 CVMSDC Youth Entrepreneurship NextGen Pitch! Competition. Get noticed, put your ideas into action and make your mark! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your ideas to business leaders, fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts.

Entries are submitted by video and the finalists are invited to the Business Opportunity Conference (BOC 26) in Raleigh, NC, August 2-4, 2026.

  • The competition’s top pitch will be awarded a $2,500 cash prize and a 1-on-1 consultation with CVMSDC President and Chief Engagement Officer, Dominique S. Milton.
  • Second place receives $1,500.
  • The third place pitch will receive $1,000.

It’s time to kickstart your future! #NextGenPitch26

Submit Your Entry
Submit Your Business Pitch - 2024 Youth Entrepreneurship Competition
CVMSDC Youth Entrepreneur Pitch Competition

How to Apply

If you’re a young entrepreneur under the age of 25 and have a fresh and innovative business idea, the NextGen Pitch! could help you get your business off the ground—or if you’ve already launched, boost it to the next level. Applying is easy:

  • Complete the online application by June 17, 2026 (12:00 PM / EST)
  • Submit an executive summary (2-5 pages in PDF)
  • Upload your 5 minutes or less video pitch to Youtube or Vimeo and submit the link via the registration form
  • Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, there are no application or competition fees
Submit Your Entry

NextGen Pitch! Eligibility & Criteria

Eligibility Details:

  • Open to entrepreneurs under the age of 25
  • Must be enrolled in elementary, middle, high school or college
  • Has new or current business idea (Incubator ideas are encouraged)
  • Registration open May 1, 2026 – June 17, 2026 (12:00 PM / EST)

Executive Summary Guidelines:

  • Submit PDF files only, with your business’ name on every page
  • Include 1) company summary, 2) customer analysis, 3) market analysis, 4) product/service description, 5) competitive advantage, 6) founder bio(s), and 7) financial projections.

Video Pitch:

The Video Pitch is a short overview of your business plan. The goal of the Video pitch is to make a persuasive and compelling case for your business that links each piece of your executive summary and leaves the audience excited to learn more. The Video Pitch should be 5 minutes or less and addresses the following:

  • What is the need, problem, or opportunity that your product or business addresses?
  • What is your idea?
  • Who do you assume to be your target customers?
  • Where or how did the idea come to you?
  • Why is your product or business different or better than the competition?
  • What are your business goals?

Need Some Help with Your Pitch?

Here are a few resources to help you craft the perfect pitch!

Submit Your Entry

About CVMSDC

The Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC) promotes and facilitates business relationships between the public/private sector and certified minority-owned businesses. CVMSDC is a membership organization of major corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, and universities that operate within North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. CVMSDC is a private, non-profit organization categorized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3). It is funded by membership dues, certification fees, and proceeds from programs activities. In addition, funds are also received from the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The Council serves all of North Carolina, South Carolina, Central, Eastern, and Western Virginia. Divided into eight regions, the Council is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina with a regional office located in Richmond, Virginia. CMVSDC relies on local advisory committee volunteers in the eight regions to assist with programs in each region. This approach helps develop closer relationships with members, and better defines programs and services.