Local entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their next big idea for a chance to win $20,000 in prizes!

Center Street Pitch Competition will award prizes to a Startup Business, a Business Expansion, and an Agriculture & Forestry Business in our local community. Each winner will walk away with $5,000 cash and free membership to Dominion Energy Innovation Center for a year.

Startup Business

Thinking of starting a business? Started recently and need a boost? This competition is for you! All industries and business models are welcome to apply. Three entrepreneurs will be selected to present  their startup business plan in a five-minute pitch during the showcase on March 28. One winner will be chosen by our expert panel for a $5,000 prize and DEIC membership.

Business Expansion

Existing business owners are invited to share their next big idea to win seed funding. All industries and business models are welcome to apply. Three entrepreneurs will be selected to present their expansion plan in a five-minute pitch during the showcase on March 28. One winner will be chosen by our expert panel for a $5,000 prize and DEIC membership. 

Agriculture & Forestry

Starting or expanding a farm or forestry business? Innovating with food or fiber? Share your idea to win seed funding for entrepreneurship. Farm and forestry businesses in Hanover County or the greater Richmond MSA are invited to apply.  Three entrepreneurs will be selected to present their agricultural or forestry business plan in a five-minute pitch during the showcase on March 28.   

Center Street Pitch Competition is sponsored by partners DEIC and Downtown Ashland Association to encourage entrepreneurship in our local community. Our organizations support small business owners year-round with mentorship, networking, and education. Learn more at ashlandvirginia.com/2024 and dominnovation.com .

How-To Compete
Entering the Competition is easy, simply complete the few questions below to the best of your ability; keeping in mind that judges in this year's competition will be looking for depth of business understanding, existing market traction, and uniqueness of idea.  

In the last section, you will be asked to complete an executive summary for your business.  A template for for the executive summary is available here. You will have to make a copy or download to Word to be able to edit.    Save your executive summary as a pdf and upload to the final section of this application. 

Application Deadline:  Applications must be submitted by 5pm on March 14, 2024. 

Questions?  Email centerstreet@dominnovation.com