Join the Second Service Foundation at the Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference October 4-6, 2023 for the Military Entrepreneur Challenge (MEC) a three-part event that includes a speed coaching session, private pitch session to a judging panel, and finally an opportunity to pitch business ideas to a live audience for a chance to win a small business grant.
The Second Service Foundation hosts the Military Entrepreneur Challenge, a multi-part event that includes business coaching, one-on-one professional development, and a pitch competition. Applicants for the pitch competition have the opportunity to be selected as one of nine semi-finalists who will receive a minimum $1,000 capital grant for their small business or nonprofit. The overall winner receives an additional $1,000 grant, $5,000 PR package from the Second Service Foundation, and $25,000 of in-kind legal services from Holland & Knight LLP.
Applications for the Military Entrepreneur Challenge at the Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference open now – September 6, 2023. Semi-finalists will be notified by September 13, 2023. You must apply in advance to be considered for the nine semi-finalists.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
1:50 PM – 2:50 PM SPEED COACHING
REGISTRATION IN ADVANCE REQUIRED
Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners will have the opportunity to participate in up to three high-impact coaching sessions with elite professionals, executives, and skilled entrepreneurs in areas such as sales and distribution, packaging, finance, legal, accounting, technology, fundraising, marketing, strategy, operations, and more.
Bring your questions, packaging, logos, and products for the best coaching possible!
3:00 PM – 5:10 PM PITCH COMPETITION ROUND 1
SELECTED SEMI-FINALISTS ONLY
The nine selected semi-finalists will share their two-minute pitch about their business or nonprofit and its impact on the military community to a panel of Second Service Foundation judges. You must apply in advance and be selected as a semifinalist to participate in the pitch competition.
Friday, October 6, 2023
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PITCH FINALE AND AWARDS
CHAMPIONS BALLROOM
The Top 3 Finalists will be announced and then pitch on the spot, giving a two-minute pitch on who they are, their platform and purpose, and why they deserve funding. The live audience votes for the overall winner.
Award Presentation for the Six Semi-Finalists will be presented $1,000 grant. The overall winner of the Military Entrepreneur Challenge receives an additional $1,000 grant, $5,000 PR package from the Second Service Foundation, and $25,000 of in-kind legal services from Holland & Knight LLP.