Presented by ChicagoMSDC | Sponsored by Cook County Small Business Source, Aetna Better Health of IL and Allstate
The Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition, now in its fourth year, is a high-impact initiative designed to support diverse entrepreneurs owners aged 18–35 who are ready to scale their businesses.
Organized by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC) in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source, Allstate and Aetna, this program equips rising entrepreneurs with mentorship, targeted training, funding, and access to certification opportunities.
What Participants Gain
- Professional Mentorship from seasoned business leaders
- Tailored Training & Capacity-Building Workshops
- Financial Awards to grow their business
- NMSDC MBE Certification Support
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must:
- Be between 18–35 years old
- Operate a business based in Illinois or the following Northwest Indiana counties: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper
- Meet NMSDC Certification Readiness:
- 51% minority-owned, operated, and controlled
- U.S.-based, for-profit business
- Owner-led with daily operational control
Note: Immediate family members of the YEP Committee and previous champions are not eligible to participate.
Program Structure
Round 1 – Capacity Building
Engagement and Participation are highly encouraged and very important to the overall success of this program and competition. Participants are also automatically enrolled in the Cook County Small Business Source to be connected with small business advising.
- Capacity Building Workshop I
- Capacity Building Workshop II
Round 2 – Semifinals
Semifinalists will receive:
- 1:1 Mentorship
- Capacity Building Workshop III
- Insight from top-tier businesses
Final Round – Pitch Event
Top 5 finalists receive:
- Expert pitch coaching
- The opportunity to compete in a live pitch event!
Questions?
Please contact:
Vanessa Smith
📧 vsmith@chicagomsdc.org
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