Wake Forest's entrepreneurial community is gearing up for another exciting opportunity to turn big ideas into business growth. Wake Forest Founders, the flagship entrepreneurial support program of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP), will host its next Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, bringing local entrepreneurs together to share their ventures, make valuable connections, and compete for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes.
And you don't have to be a Wake Forest Founders Accelerator graduate to participate.
The competition is open to businesses of all sizes and industries within the Town of Wake Forest, from solo entrepreneurs and emerging startups to established businesses looking to take their next step. Whether you're introducing an innovative product, expanding an existing service, or pursuing a new growth opportunity, the event offers a platform to share your vision with experienced business leaders and the broader entrepreneurial community.
Past competitions have demonstrated just how diverse Wake Forest's entrepreneurial community has become. In Spring 2026, Elena Poole of Terrazzo, a landscape design company that supports local contractors, earned first-place honors. The previous fall, Rebekah Werner of Unita Marketing took home the $5,000 grand prize, with plans to invest in AI technology to expand her agency's capabilities. Kevin Meese of WARM Café also received a $1,000 Viewer's Choice Award to support the nonprofit's efforts to address local food insecurity through a mobile food unit. These success stories illustrate how the competition provides more than financial support. Previous winners have returned to share updates on their businesses, offering encouragement and firsthand insight to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“We have no shortage of entrepreneurial talent here in Wake Forest, and this competition is an opportunity to put some of that talent in the spotlight,” said Jason Cannon, president of WFBIP. “While the cash prizes can certainly make a difference for a growing business, the connections, exposure, and encouragement that come from participating can be just as valuable. We want entrepreneurs to know that Wake Forest is a community where their ideas and ambitions are supported.”
Participants in this year's competition will present their businesses to a panel of local judges, with the opportunity to earn financial support to help bring their growth plans to life. The top prize is worth up to $5,000, and a total of $10,000 will be awarded across the competition.
Applications open Monday, November 2, at 9 a.m. and close Friday, November 13, at 5 p.m. Selected applicants should also plan to attend an in-person pitch practice session on Sunday, November 15.
The Pitch Competition & Entrepreneurial Showcase takes place Wednesday, December 9, from 5–7:30 p.m. at The Loading Dock, located at 525 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest.
Think your business has what it takes? Apply for the Wake Forest Founders Pitch Competition before November 13 and take the next step in growing your business.
