2026

Appalachian Conference on Social Enterprise

Pitch Competition

Sponsored By

Are you developing an idea or building a business that has a goal of doing good and doing well?

The Appalachian Conference on Social Enterprise (ACOSE) invites you to share your vision at the 2026 Pitch Competition on Tuesday, November 4, 2026! 

This is your chance to: 

  • Pitch your idea to funders, judges, and peers 

  • Compete for over $10,000 in cash prizes  

  • Receive expert coaching at no cost 

  • Build lasting connections with funders, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs

Am I Eligible?

You can apply if: 

  • You have an idea or are already operating a business/nonprofit with a strong mission focus (such as education, environment, health, regional food, regional arts, etc.) and sell goods or services.  

  • Your primary service area is within the 13-state Appalachian region 

  • You can attend the full-day ACOSE conference on November 4, 2026. 

  • Note: Accepted presenters receive free admission to ACOSE. Travel and lodging are not provided.

Competition Tracks

We want to meet changemakers at every stage. Choose the track that fits you:

Track 1: Pre-Revenue
This track is for idea-stage or early social enterprises that are not yet generating revenue.
While open to all, it’s especially well-suited for students and first-time entrepreneurs.

Cash Prizes: 
1st  Place: $1,000 
2nd Place: $750 
3rd Place: $500 
4th Place: $150 

Format:
3-minute pitch + 2-minute Q&A during the morning session of ACOSE.

Track 2: Revenue
This track is for mission-driven social enterprises that are already generating revenue but earning less than $300,000 annually. If your enterprise is part of a non-profit organization, this revenue limit refers to the enterprise itself, not the parent non-profit. 

Cash Prizes: 
1st  Place: $5,000 
2nd Place: $2,500 
3rd Place: $1000

Format:
5-minute pitch + 3-minute Q&A during the afternoon plenary session of ACOSE.

* Cash prizes are intended for the direct benefit of the winners' presenting enterprise(s), activities, and concept(s). Funds are expected to be spent toward the enterprise, not the larger organization.

How Do I Apply?

Deadline: September 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

To Apply:
Click here to complete the online application.


As part of the application, you will need to upload a brief video/audio recording (a simple phone recording is fine). Videos/recordings should be 2-3 minutes in length and describe your enterprise, including: the problem addressed, the solution you're providing, and the people served.

Track 1: Pre-Revenue

Five finalists will be chosen and notified within two weeks of the deadline. All finalists must be available to do a live, in-person pitch to a panel of judges at ACOSE on November 4.

What Happens Next?

Track 2: Revenue

Semi-finalists will be chosen and notified within two weeks of the deadline.
In order to become a finalist, semi-finalists must participate in a one-on-one virtual coaching session with expert mentors. This virtual meeting will be scheduled around the semi-finalists' availability.
Six finalists will move on to do a live, in-person pitch to a panel of judges at ACOSE on November 4.

This isn’t just a competition—it’s a launchpad. Whether you’re testing an idea or scaling an existing venture, the ACOSE Pitch Competition offers: 

  • Cash prizes to fuel your entrepreneurial path  

  • Expert coaching to sharpen your business model  

  • Visibility and connections to help you grow in the Appalachian region and beyond.

Why Apply?