10/10/2026
If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur in Southeast Michigan, apply for our 2026 Pitch Competition. Submit your application and supporting video for a chance to win up to $5,000!
The application deadline is October 30. https://form.jotform.com/262273254649160
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Qualifications:
- Must be a registered small business operating in Southeast Michigan (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair Counties)
- Your business can be brick-and-mortar, online, or hybrid
- Must demonstrate a clear commitment to community engagement and growth.
- Must submit a complete application, essay, and video submission by the posted deadline.
Conflict of Interest and Ineligibility:
To ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest, applicants are automatically ineligible if any of the following apply:
- The applicant, any owner(s) or partner(s) of the applicant’s business, or the applicant’s business under new management, has previously won a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Southfield Alumnae Chapter /Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc. Economic Education Series Pitch Competition.
- The applicant is a current TOWF Board Member, TOWF Volunteer, or a member of the *immediate family or household of either.
- The applicant has served as a TOWF Board Member or TOWF Volunteer within the past five years or is a member of the immediate family or household of either.
- The applicant is a current member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Southfield Alumnae Chapter, or a member of the *immediate family or household of such member.
- The applicant was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Southfield Alumnae Chapter within the past five years, or is a member of the immediate family or household of such member.
*Immediate Family includes spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, stepchildren and parents and any individual for whom the Board member or committee member provides financial support.