StartUp Fayette

Join us for the Preliminary Pitch Round of the 2026 Fayette Pitch Contest, where selected applicants will present their business concepts for a chance to move forward to the main stage on November 17.

In partnership with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, Launch Fayette, and Jason Hunter Design, this contest is designed to give entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their business concept, gain valuable feedback from industry experts, and compete for amazing prizes.

Each applicant will have five minutes to pitch their idea to a panel of preliminary judges. At the end of the evening, five finalists will be chosen to advance and compete in the highly anticipated Pitch Contest finale.

This event is free and open to the public – come support local entrepreneurs, experience the excitement of live pitching, and see which innovative ideas rise to the top.

Click “LEARN MORE” under the time block to RSVP.

Preliminary Round: October 20, 2026

Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Location: Launch Fayette

Pizza included

The excitement is building as five outstanding finalists take the stage for the 2026 Fayette Pitch Contest Final Round. This live event showcases some of the region’s most innovative entrepreneurs as they compete for funding, recognition, and the chance to take their businesses to the next level.

In partnership with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, Launch Fayette, and Jason Hunter Design, this contest is designed to give entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their business concept, gain valuable feedback from industry experts, and compete for amazing prizes.

Each finalist will deliver a five-minute pitch of their concept, followed by six minutes of Q&A with the judges (two minutes per judge). The panel of judges will each receive $10,000 in Startup Fayette Dollars to “invest” in the businesses they believe in most. To add to the excitement, after all pitches are complete, each judge will also award a $5,000 Wildcard to the entrepreneur they want to give an extra boost.

This is your chance to see entrepreneurship in action, cheer on local innovators, and be part of Fayette County’s biggest startup competition of the year.

Event Details:

Date: November 17, 2026

Time: 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: TBD

Cost: Free to attend, but registration is requested.

Food and drink options will be available.