Great news! The City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce Mayor’s Business Action Team and Mom Your Business are thrilled to host the Business Summit and Expo Pitch Competition at La Salle University on May 19, 2026. Businesses will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of industry leaders while gaining exposure to valuable resources, mentorship, and connections that can help take their business to the next level.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your vision into action and be recognized as one of Philadelphia’s innovative entrepreneurs. Selected businesses will also receive funding to support their business goals and endeavors.  

Competition overview

10 Philadelphia-based businesses will be selected to compete at La Salle University on May 19.   

Selected businesses must pitch for 3 minutes with 2 minutes of Q&A.  

The 10 businesses selected will compete for the following prizes: 

  • FIRST PLACE WINNER will be awarded $10,000. 
  • SECOND PLACE WINNER will be awarded $5,000. 
  • THIRD PLACE WINNER will be awarded $2,500. 

Apply today

Are you a startup interested in pitching and competing that day? 

Submit your Business Summit and Expo Pitch Competition application today.

The application deadline is Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.   

The business applying must: 

  • Be located in Philadelphia
  • Be registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia.
  • Have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). 

The top 10 finalists selected to compete at the Second Annual Business Summit and Expo will be announced in a few weeks after application closes.  

The selected businesses must be available to attend and pitch on-site at the Second Annual Business Summit and Expo event on May 19, 2026, at La Salle University’s Founders Hall Building.

Apply and join the summit

In addition to applying for the pitch competition on May 19th, as part of the summit, businesses are welcome to also hear from panelists and industry leaders who will share insights on how to start, operate and grow a business in Philadelphia.

When: May 17-19, 2026

Where: La Salle University, Founders Hall

Apply for the Business Summit and Expo Pitch Competition