2025

Appalachian Social Enterprise

Pitch Competition

 

 

Are you developing an idea or building a business that’s changing the Appalachian community for the better? The Appalachian Conference on Social Enterprise (ACOSE) invites you to share your vision at the 2025 Pitch Competition on Thursday, November 20, 2025! 

This is your chance to: 

  • Pitch your idea to funders, judges, and peers 

  • Compete for over $10,000 in cash prizes  

  • Receive expert coaching at no cost 

  • Build lasting connections with funders, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs

Am I Eligible? 

You can apply if: 

  • You have an idea or are already operating a business/nonprofit with a strong mission focus (such as education, environment, health, regional food, regional arts, etc.) and sell goods or services.  

  • Your primary service area is within the 13-state Appalachian region 

  • You are able to attend the full-day ACOSE conference on November 20, 2025. 

  • Note: Accepted presenters receive free admission to ACOSE. Travel and lodging are not provided.

Competition Tracks 

We want to meet changemakers at every stage. Choose the track that fits you: 

Track 1: Pre-Revenue
This track is for idea-stage or early social enterprises that are not yet generating revenue. While open to all, it’s especially well-suited for students and first-time entrepreneurs. 

  • Cash Prizes: 

  • 1st  Place: $1,000 

  • 2nd Place: $750 

  • 3rd Place: $500 

  • 4th Place: $150 

  • Format: 3-minute pitch + 2-minute Q&A during morning session of ACOSE
     

Track 2: Revenue
This track is for mission-driven social enterprises that are already generating revenue but earning less than $300,000 annually.  

  • Cash Prizes: 

  • 1st Place: $5,000 

  • 2nd Place: $2,500 

  • 3rd Place: $1,000 

  • Format: 5-minute pitch + 3-minute Q&A during the afternoon plenary session of ACOSE
     

How Do I Apply? 

  • Deadline: October 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. 

  • To Apply:  

  1. As part of the application, you will need to upload a brief video/audio recording (a simple phone recording is fine). Videos/recordings should be 2-3 minutes in length and describe your enterprise, including: problem addressed, the solution you're providing, and the people served.
     

What Happens Next? 

Track 1: Pre-Revenue 

Five finalists will be chosen and notified within two weeks of the deadline. All finalists must be available to do a live, in-person pitch to a panel of judges at ACOSE on November 20. 

Track 2: Revenue 

  1. Semi-finalists will be chosen and notified within two weeks of the deadline.  

  1. In order to become a finalist, semi-finalists must participate in a one-on-one virtual coaching session with expert mentors.  This virtual meeting will be scheduled around the semi-finalists' availability. 

  1. Six finalists will move on to do a live, in-person pitch to a panel of judges at ACOSE on November 20. 
     

Why Apply? 

This isn’t just a competition—it’s a launchpad. Whether you’re testing an idea or scaling an existing venture, the ACOSE Pitch Competition offers: 

  • Cash prizes to fuel your entrepreneurial path

  • Expert coaching to sharpen your business model 

  • Visibility and connections to help you grow in the Appalachian region and beyond