Pitch Competition
Project 412 is hosting a pitch competition sponsored by the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation (MMCDC). This competition, called Pitch 412, is for entrepreneurs in the Detroit Lakes area!
Interested in pitching your idea? Submit your business plans and a one-minute video for a chance to become one of our 4 finalists. Finalists will pitch their ideas to judges and a live audience in a 12-minute presentation. The winners will share cash prizes up to $6,500.
Join our training partners, West Central Small Business Development Center, SBDC, and ILT Academy, for a webinar on “Crafting a Lean Business Plan” and “Elements of a Good Pitch.”
LIVE PItch Competition: Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
at the 📍Historic Holmes Theatre .
REGISTRATION OPENS ► February 23rd, 2026, at 12 noon
REGISTRATION CLOSES ► March 6th, 2026 at 12 noon
Why Enter?
- Get a jump start on your business idea
- Learn to craft a lean business plan and get constructive feedback.
- Learn how to pitch your business
Finalist Benefits
-
Media Exposure
- Pitch coaching & mentorship
- Launch your idea to the community at our pitch event
Prizes
- 1st Place: $4,000*
- 2nd Place: $1,000*
- 3rd Place: $500*
- 4th Place: $500*
- Audience Choice Award: $500*
- *Your designated team contact will receive a 1099-MISC form for cash prizes.
Eligibility Requirements
- Submissions must be for a new company, new idea, or an existing small business with a new concept or expansion
- Teams consist of one to four members
- Each team must have a designated point of contact that is 18 years or older (*they will receive the 1099-MISC form).
- If you are an existing organization, one team member must be a C-level executive of the organization
- Teams can only enter one idea into the competition
- If the organization exists, it must be within the Detroit Lakes area. If it has not been officially formed, it must be the intent that it will be formed in the Detroit Lakes area.
No Prior Experience Necessary!
Our training partners, West Central Small Business Development Center, SBDC, and ILT Academy are offering webinars on “Crafting a Lean Business Plan” and “Elements of a Good Pitch.” We’ll also provide additional resources to help you prepare. Don’t miss this chance to hone your skills and showcase your business idea!
Don't miss this chance to hone your skills and showcase your idea.
No previous experience necessary!
REGISTRATION OPENS February 23rd, 2026 at 12 noon • CLOSES March 6th, 2026 at 12 noon
Pitch 412 Timeline • Important Dates
February 23rd at 12 noon – March 6th at 12 noon: Registration Open
- Complete a short registration form to enter the contest.
- After the window closes, we’ll send you an email with resources to help you prepare and submit your materials
March 10th, 11th, and 12th • 12 noon – 1 pm: Virtual Training Workshops (recorded for later viewing)
These will be live and then recorded for later viewing.
March 31st at 12 noon: Business Plan and Video Submission Deadline
April 6th: Finalists Announced
- We’ll announce the finalists on social media and notify you by email.
- All entries will receive constructive feedback on their plans, regardless of if they are a finalist.
- Finalists will be contacted to set up pitch coaching times and to submit a photo and some interview answers.
April 21st: Pitch Practice (scheduled time slots)
April 30th at 12 noon: Pitch Slides Submission Deadline
May 12th
• 4:30 – 5:30 pm: Soundcheck in the Historic Holmes Theatre
• 6:30 – 8:30 pm: Live Pitch Competition at the Historic Holmes Theatre
Pitch 412
Thank You!
Competition Sponsor
Training Partners
