Overview
The Accelerate California Entrepreneurship (ACE) Pitch Competition is an opportunity for innovative founders to compete for non-dilutive Acceleration Grant funding awards. The purpose of the acceleration grants is to spur high-growth industries and startups and build a pipeline of scalable firms and well-paid jobs, and increase access to private investment. The ACE Pitch Competition showcases innovative technologies, such as tech and biotech, over three live pitch events where finalists pitch live on stage at Innovation Day. Pitch events are open for the community to attend and watch as a way to learn about new technologies and support founders.
Events and Timeline
Nov: Participants invited to apply
Dec: Applications due
Dec: Quarterfinalists announced
Jan: Quarterfinalists present 3-Minute Pitches
Jan: Semifinalists announced
Jan: Semifinalists present 10-Minute Pitches
Jan: Finalists announced
Jan: Finalists pitch at Innovation Day
Eligibility
This program is open to small businesses and entrepreneurs that participate in the Accelerate California: Innovation Hubs. To receive an acceleration grant, small businesses and entrepreneurs need to be located in California, have received advising from The Brink SBDC, pre-commercialization developing or continuing to develop a prototype or MVP, filed their entity with the California Secretary of State after July 1, 2021.
Funding for the Acceleration Grants is made possible through the Accelerate California Hubs program administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). The ACE Pitch Competition is hosted by The Brink SBDC, an Accelerate CA Hub Designee, along with Connect and Stella.
Our Partners
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Funded in part through a Grant with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate; all opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
The Accelerate California: Innovation Hub Program (Accelerate CA) is funded by the State of California and administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA).