Businesses Set to Showcase Bold Ideas and Innovation at the Fayette Chamber Pitch Competition

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Launch Fayette and Jason Hunter Design, is proud to announce the 2025 Fayette County Pitch Contest — a high-energy, Shark Tank-style competition designed to spotlight the next wave of local innovators and entrepreneurs. Set for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Starr’s Mill High School Auditorium, this event promises to be an evening of bold ideas, creative energy, and community celebration.

What Is a Pitch Contest?

At its core, a pitch contest is a competition where aspiring entrepreneurs present their new business ideas and concepts to a panel of esteemed and highly accomplished judges. But for those that have either participated or attended previous pitch competitions, they will tell you the event is a launchpad for dreams. Following an arduous review process where approximately 25 business owners submitted proposals to have them narrowed down to a dozen, which was the whittled down to a final five. The evening format will be fast-paced and engaging, with each finalist given five minutes to pitch and six minutes of Q&A with the judges.

This event is designed to do more than award participation trophies. The event is about demonstrating community support for small businesses. It is also about building visibility, confidence, and momentum for local startups. Finalists gain exposure to potential investors, mentors, and customers, while the audience gets a front-row seat to the future of Fayette’s business community.

Judges will be armed with $10,000 in Startup Fayette Dollars to “invest” in the ideas they believe have the most promise. After all pitches are complete, each judge will also award a $2,000 Wildcard to the entrepreneur they feel deserves an extra boost — whether for creativity, grit, or potential.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply a supporter of local innovation, the Fayette County Pitch Contest is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s a chance to cheer on homegrown talent, network with community leaders, and witness the kind of creativity and courage that fuels economic growth.

Mark your calendar for November 18 and come be part of something exciting. Join us at Stars Mill High School and together let’s celebrate courage, ideas, ambition, and the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Fayette County thrive. The event is free but interested persons are encouraged to apply for planning purposes. For more information visit startupfayette.org.