Presented by ChicagoMSDC | Sponsored by Aetna Better Health of Illinois
The Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition, now in its third 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 Aetna Better Health of Illinois and the Cook County Small Business Source, 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:
- 1st Place: $7,500
- 2nd Place: $5,000
- 3rd Place: $2,500
- NMSDC MBE Certification Support – Application cost reimbursed for three champions (when submitted by November 3, 2025)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must:
- Be between 18–35 years old as of July 1, 2025
- 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
Participants must attend two mandatory workshops and enroll in the Cook County Small Business Source via ChicagoMSDC.
- Virtual Capability Statement Workshop
- In-Person Meet & Greet, MBE Panel and Creative Exercise
Round 2 – Semifinals
Semifinalists will receive:
- 1:1 Mentorship
- Workshops on topics such as corporate procurement and supplier readiness
- Insight from top-tier businesses
Final Round – Pitch Event
Top 5 finalists receive:
- Expert pitch coaching
- A live pitch event opportunity to win up to $7,500 in funding