A high-stakes competition backing Brooklyn businesses with the capital, visibility, and momentum to scale
The Social Justice Fund is launching the Brooklyn Pitch Competition to help local businesses access the growth capital, strategic support, and connections they need to scale. The competition will award a total of $450,000 in unrestricted grant funding to selected Brooklyn-based businesses, including a $150,000 grand prize and additional finalist awards ranging from $25,000 to $75,000.
Designed for established businesses that are ready for their next stage of growth, the Brooklyn Pitch Competition will spotlight entrepreneurs who are strengthening Brooklyn’s economy, creating jobs, expanding opportunity, and investing in their communities.
Selected finalists will pitch live in November at the Barclays Center and will receive more than funding. Finalists will also gain access to investor introductions, capital matchmaking, strategic advisory sessions, and connections to procurement and growth opportunities.
Who Should Apply
Eligible businesses should meet the following criteria:
Be headquartered or primarily operating in Brooklyn
Generate between $1 million and $5 million in annual revenue
Demonstrate a clear growth strategy and strong potential for expansion
Show evidence of innovation, execution capacity, and business momentum
Contribute to Brooklyn’s economy through job creation, local hiring, community impact, or neighborhood investment
Be prepared to participate in a competitive screening process and pitch event if selected as a finalist
Businesses that are ready to grow, hire, expand their market reach, or deepen their impact in Brooklyn are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: September 4, 2026.