Midlothian business Pitch Competition
Midlothian business Pitch Competition
The Midlothian Business Pitch Competition is designed to empower Midlothian businesses by providing a platform to pitch innovative business ideas and expansion plans to a panel of expert judges.
Competition Structure
Two Categories
- Small Businesses
- Micro or Home Based Businesses
- Application Period: Participants must submit an online application, including a business plan and a no more than 3-minute pitch video.
- Pitch Video Guidelines: Videos will be evaluated on the strength and clarity of the business idea being presented, not on the quality of video production. Applicants are encouraged to focus on clearly communicating their concept rather than on editing or technical polish.
- Finalist Selection: A select number of finalists will be chosen from each category to advance to the Final Pitch Event. The selection will be done by the Chamber Education and Workforce Committee.
Final Pitch EVent
• Public community event with a live audience.
• Free 60-90-Second Promo Video: Each finalist will receive a professionally produced video to highlight their business or product, which they can use for marketing beyond the competition.
• Each finalist will have a 5-minute to lay out the business proposition
followed by responses to scripted questions.
• Judging panel scores will be combined with a public vote (20% weight).
• Winners will be selected in each category.
Prizes
Cash Prizes
Cash Awards (Per Category):
Small Business Track:
- 1st Place: $10,000
- 2nd Place: $5,000
Home Based/Micro Business Track:
- 1st Place: $2,500
In Kind Support Examples
• Legal & filing support consultations
• Website/branding package development
• Co-working or retail pop-up space opportunities
• Professional promo video and headshots
• Business consulting services from local experts
• Business Software
• Accounting Services
• Booth at the upcoming Midlo Fest
Judging Criteria
Category | Weight |
Business Viability | 20% |
| Financial Feasibility | 20% |
Expansion Plans in Midlothian | 20% |
Marketing and Sales | 20% |
Business Plan Quality | 20% |
Timeline
Date Range (2026) | Activity |
May 1 – July 31 | Application Period |
August 7 | Finalists Announced |
August 10- September 4th | Video Filming |
September 10 | Final Pitch Event |