Center Street Pitch Competition 2026

Local entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their next big idea for up to $3K in prizes.  $15K will be awarded on May 7th!

On May 7th, 2026, the Center Street Pitch Competition  will award prizes to standout businesses in the Center of the Universe, Hanover County,  and Agriculture & Forestry categories.   The competition will take place from 6pm – 8pm at The Ashland Theatre.  
 
Center Street Pitch Competition is hosted by partners DEIC and Downtown Ashland Association to encourage entrepreneurship in our local community. Our organizations support small business owners year-round with mentorship, networking, and education.  Learn more about entrepreneurship initiatives at Downtown Ashland Association and DEIC. 
 

Center Street Pitch Competition will award prizes to entrepreneurs in 3 categories: 

  • Center of the Universe
  • Hanover County
  • Agriculture & Forestry 

Categories

Center of the Universe

Are you an Town of Ashland business looking to secure the capital you need to take your business to the next level? Or are you looking to start a business in the Town of Ashland?  This pitch competition is your chance to showcase your vision and win funding to grow your enterprise. This category is open to entrepreneurs and businesses physically located within the Town of Ashland.   Businesses must be headquartered or operating a primary location within the Town of Ashland to be eligible for this category. Three entrepreneurs will be selected to pitch their business plans in a five-minute presentation during the showcase on May 7, 2026.  An expert panel will evaluate the pitches and entrepreneurs will compete for cash prize and a DEIC membership.  
 

Hanover County

Have you been thinking about starting a business? Recently launched and need a boost? Or are you an established business owner with a great idea that needs funding? This is your chance to make it happen! All industries and business models are welcome to apply but the business must be based in Hanover County.    Three entrepreneurs will be selected to present their plan in a five-minute pitch during the showcase on May 7th, 2026.  An expert panel will evaluate the pitches and entrepreneurs will compete for a cash prize and a DEIC membership. 
 

Agriculture & Forestry 

Sponsored by 

Agriculture is at the heart of Hanover County and Central Virginia’s economy, culture, and community identity. The Agriculture & Forestry Category recognizes founders, producers, and ag-based entrepreneurs whose work supports the region’s agricultural and forestry industries. This category includes businesses involved in farming, forestry, value-added agriculture, agribusiness, or ag-related services. Applicants should demonstrate how their business contributes to the long-term viability, sustainability, or innovation of agriculture or forestry in the region.  Farm and forestry businesses in Hanover County or the greater Richmond MSA are invited to apply.   Three entrepreneurs will be selected to present their business plan in a five-minute pitch during the showcase on May 7th, 2026.  An expert panel will evaluate the pitches and entrepreneurs will compete for a cash prize and a DEIC membership. 

Event Details

Center Street Pitch Competition will be held on May 7, 2026 at the historic Ashland Theatre from 6pm – 8pm.  Doors will open to the public at 5:30pm. 

See all the finalists here.

Parking: Ashland has plenty of free street parking and several public lots. The closest public lot is located across from 105 Robinson St, Ashland, VA 23005 and closest street parking is along Virginia and Maple Streets. Disabled persons parking is available behind the Theatre along Robinson Street. A parking map is available here.

Questions?  Email centerstreet@dominnovation.com

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