OPEN CALL – INVITATION TO APPLY FOR SUPPORT FROM THE COLEMAN FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITIONS IN THE GREATER CHICAGO REGION

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM

The Coleman Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Strategy
Through 2027, The Coleman Foundation works to strengthen the greater Chicago region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Our goal is to support a vast network of well-connected organizations that aid all entrepreneurs in accessing the capital, education, and business support services needed to grow their ventures.

Background
Small business pitch competitions play an important role in strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems by creating access to both financial and social capital for emerging business owners.

Competitions provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to secure early-stage capital (specifically the friends & family round), gain exposure to potential investors and partners, and receive valuable feedback that can refine growth opportunities.

Equally important, small business pitch competitions convene peers, potential investors, and mentors that may help an entrepreneur navigate the complexities of business growth. For underrepresented entrepreneurs in particular, these events often serve as critical entry points into the capital landscape.

Grant Opportunity
The Coleman Foundation invites organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to support in-person small business pitch competitions in 2026. A maximum of ten proposals will receive support. Up to ten proposals will be recommended for approval to Coleman’s Board of Directors at its March meeting.

Grant periods will last through December 31, 2026.

Coleman will host office hours to answer any questions you may have on Wednesday, January 7, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8158794234

Proposal Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• The pitch competition provides a platform for entrepreneurs from low- to moderate-income communities and other historically underserved communities to showcase their businesses, gain visibility, and connect with new networks of support.

• The organization’s demonstrated ability, previous experience, and infrastructure to deliver an in-person pitch competition.

• The pitch competition is in partnership with at least one other nonprofit organization that serves entrepreneurs in the greater Chicago region.

• The organization’s plan to create a space that will encourage potential capital providers (CDFIs, angel investors, traditional lenders, etc.) to attend the event and connect with entrepreneurs.

• The pitch competition serves entrepreneurs with existing, established businesses in operation for at least one year and have recorded operating income.

• The pitch competition provides pre- and post-pitch support.

• The organization is led by individuals with lived experience, technical skills, resources, and infrastructure to implement the proposed competition successfully.

• The competition judges represent the community the competition seeks to serve.

• The total amount of awards from the competition organizer must be greater than $35,000.

• The organization’s plan to measure competitor success at least one year post competition.

Eligibility Details
• Only nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply for funding. For-profit companies, universities, religious institutions, and individuals are not eligible.

• Proposed work must be geographically restricted to the greater Chicago region.

• K-12 programs and proposed work to support youth entrepreneurship are ineligible.

• The organization’s current annual revenues must be at least $500,000.

• Organizations must submit their most recently audited financial statements with certification (must be within the last two years).

To Apply
Begin the application process by logging into your FLUXX account.

If you do not have an account, please click here and click Create an Account Now.

For troubleshooting support please contact [email protected].

Once you have successfully logged into your account…

• Click Apply for Funding along the left-hand side.
• Select Entrepreneurship – Small Business Pitch Competition Open Call.
• Complete the following sections: o Contacts for This Reques
  • Request Details
• Request
  • About Your Organization (250 words max)
  • Proposal Narrative
    • What is the name and date of the small business pitch competition, and is this a new competition or an existing one?
    • Who does this pitch competition serve?
    • Describe your organization’s capacity and partnerships to successfully deliver this in-person pitch competition.
    • How will you ensure that participating entrepreneurs have access to capital providers during and after the competition?
    • What support will entrepreneurs receive before and after the pitch competition?
    • Awards, budget, and long-term impact: how much will you award and how will you measure success at least one year after the competition?
  • Evaluation and Outcomes (500 words max)
  • Organizational Financial Summary (revenues & expenses matric, financial narrative, and top funder for the current year with amounts)

You will then upload the following Request Documents

1. Organization Budget for the current year

2. Competition Budget. Include expenses (award amounts, staffing, marketing, venue, etc.) and revenues from other sources.

3. Audited financial statements with certification

4. Year-to-date profit and loss (P&L) statement (also known as statement of activities or income statement)

5. List of potential/past judges with professional affiliations

6. PDF of the organization’s most recent annual report

7. If applicable a signed fiscal sponsorship agreement

• Click SUBMIT.

If you have any questions or require technical support, please contact [email protected]
The Coleman Foundation looks forward to receiving your application by Friday, January 23, 2026.