Start Peninsula

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Start Peninsula is an organization dedicated to validating business ideas and launching entrepreneurs Props/slides are allowed. Props/Slides are allowed.

Do you have a business idea or invention and need funding or guidance to get it off the ground? Then clear your calendar for one of our upcoming Micro Pitch Competitions in the Hampton Roads area! Start Peninsula is an organization dedicated towards validating business ideas and launching entrepreneurs towards growth through funding, mentorship and networking. How it Works: First, pitch your business at one of our three Micro Pitch Competitions held around the Peninsula (or, virtually). Your pitch will be three minutes long, with a three minute Q&A period. If you are one of the top four of a Micro Pitch Competition, then you qualify for our main Shark Tank style competition in November. In this competition, you will have five minutes to pitch your business, and a five minute Q&A session. The top three winners of Start Peninsula will win $5,000 in funding and a variety of resources to help the launch of their businesses.

11/02/2026

The impact of watching other founders pitch their business.

Next Wednesday, November 11, at 6 PM, twelve companies will pitch one last time at the Start Peninsula Championship Pitch.

These are the founders who have already advanced through this year’s Micro Pitch rounds, and they’ll be competing for $5,000 while showing exactly how they explain their problem, solution, and what makes them the right person to solve it.

When you take a moment to watch, you have the opportunity to learn and see what actually connects, and what makes the pitch most compelling. You’ll see which openings pull you in and the moments that create clarity instead of creating questions.

Watching them is another way to sharpen your own.

Register for FREE: https://bit.ly/SP26CPZM

10/22/2026

Congratulations to our Micro Pitch #4 winners!

Last night we heard from some incredible founders, and these three stood out:

Compass and Code Collective LLC (Tia Hatcher)

A performance-driven RV asset management company that turns underutilized RVs into income-producing short-term rental assets, then reinvests that cash flow into long-term real estate.

Industrial Native LLC (Brian Kelly)

Creator of Flowtally, a dock-door camera system that reads pallet labels in real time, catches mismatches while the trailer is still at the door, and creates an evidence-based receiving record for manufacturers and warehouses.

Ongati (Brian Ongati)

A booking platform that gives barbers, salons, clinics, and other service businesses a free professional page so customers can find them and book in a few taps, no more lost appointments in DMs.

Huge thanks to every founder who pitched, our judges, and everyone who joined us.

10/15/2026

LAST QUALIFYING ROUND!

This is the final Micro Pitch of 2026 and the final chance to qualify for the championship, where 3 people will win $5,000 each.

This is where early-stage founders can get feedback, visibility, and a shot at moving forward.

If you’ve been sitting on an idea, waiting for the “right time,” or you just need one more push to put it in front of people who can help move it forward, this is your time.

Ten founders will each have three minutes to pitch their idea.

Only three will advance to the November 11 championship, where they’ll compete for $5,000.

Register here: https://bit.ly/SP26MP4

10/06/2026

Tomorrow, 6:00–8:00 pm on Zoom: Pitch Perfect #4.

Tim Ryan and communications expert Gary Plaag will walk through the essential elements of a good pitch. How to open, deliver, and close with confidence, and make your problem, market, and what sets you apart land in a few minutes.

A strong pitch is how you raise money and recruit people to help you move your business forward.

This free session is for anyone who still dreads the elevator version.

Register for free: https://bit.ly/SP26PP4

09/25/2026

Congratulations to the Start Peninsula Micro Pitch #3 winners:

Build Creatively

Peake Shores

Test Me Labs

Each takes home $500 and advances to the Championship Pitch on November 11, where $5,000 is on the line.

Thank you to every founder who pitched, to our judges, and to everyone who showed up to watch early-stage ideas get tested in public. That’s how this region builds.

One more qualifier left: Micro Pitch #4 on October 21.

Apply to Pitch: https://www.startpeninsula.com/pitch-application/

09/22/2026

The stage is set!

Here are the 10 startups competing in the Micro Pitch #3 competition. They will be competing for one of the three finalist spots, where they will be awarded $500 and a pitcher spot in the Start Peninsula Championship Event in November, which will award 3 finalists a $5,000 prize!

08/28/2026

HAPPENING TODAY AT 12:00 PM!

Don't miss Start Peninsula's Information Session! Join live on Zoom to learn how you can pitch your business idea and win $5,000 in seed funding.

We start right at noon, so register now to grab your Zoom link!

Register: https://bit.ly/SP26IS2

08/24/2026

This Friday, August 28th at 12:00 PM!

Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one in Hampton Roads, Start Peninsula is here to help you get to the next level.

Attend our free virtual info session to learn how you can compete for $5,000 in seed capital, connect with local mentors, and get involved in our upcoming micro pitch events.

When: Friday, August 28th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Where: Zoom
Cost: FREE

Claim your spot today: https://bit.ly/SP26IS2

08/18/2026

Ready to turn your business idea into $5,000 in funding?

Join us for Start Peninsula’s Information Session on Friday, August 28th from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (via Zoom)!

You will be walked through everything you need to know to validate your business, navigate our upcoming pitch competitions, and maximize your chances of winning.

This session is 100% FREE, but registration is required.

Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/SP26IS2

07/24/2026

Today is the Day!

The missing piece to your business puzzle is here!

Our "Meet the Resources" virtual event kicks off TODAY at 11:00 AM! If you are ready to validate, launch, or scale your startup, this is your chance to connect live with the region’s top business support networks, funding advocates, and mentors on Zoom.

Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT (Today!)

Where: Virtual via Zoom

Register here: https://bit.ly/SP26MTR

Address

Newport News, VA

Website

http://www.startpeninsula.com/

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