Fayette County Pitch Contest

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Launch Fayette and Jason Hunter Design, presents the 2025 Fayette County Pitch Contest — a dynamic, Shark Tank-style event where local entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for prizes, exposure, and bragging rights.

What is a Pitch Contest?

It’s more than just a pitch — it’s your moment in the spotlight.

The Fayette County Pitch Contest gives local entrepreneurs the chance to present their big ideas to a panel of judges in a live, high-energy, Shark Tank-style format. Judges “invest” Startup Fayette Dollars in the ideas they believe have the most potential, awarding real prizes and recognition.

To get there, applicants submit an overview of their business or concept. A preliminary round helps us narrow the field to 5 finalists, who will take the stage on November 18 for the main event.

Event Format

  • Date: November 18th, 2025

  • Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM

  • Location: Starr’s Mill High School Auditorium, 193 Panther Path, Fayetteville, GA 30215

Each of the 5 finalists will have:

  • 5 minutes to pitch their concept

  • 6 minutes of Q&A (2 minutes per judge)

Judges will receive $10,000 in Startup Fayette Dollars to “invest” in the businesses they believe in most. After all pitches are complete, each judge will also award a $2,000 Wildcard to the entrepreneur they want to give an extra boost.

Incentives

The Pitch Contest provides an opportunity for self- starters to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and goals. These aspiring entrepreneurs have the opportunity to use their inspiration and business ideas to innovate our business community through economic development.

Past Winners

Each year, the Fayette County Pitch Contest highlights some of the most creative and impactful startups in our community. Here’s a look at some of the standout winners:

2025 Winners

  • 🥇Tameka O’Neal, From Scratch Commissary Kitchen (and the Audience Choice winner) – A licensed commissary kitchen helping food entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their culinary businesses.

  • 🥈 Ashleigh Pearson, Avec Noelle LLC – A luxury confectionery brand offering rare, hand-crafted, fine-dining-quality treats—giving customers the chance to share exclusive, indulgent food experiences typically found only in high-end culinary destinations.

  • 🥉 Brandon McCarden, Fit Locker – A mobile, eco-friendly wellness pod built from a repurposed shipping container, bringing fitness, mental-health tools, and community-driven wellness experiences directly to parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces across Fayette County.

2024 Winners

  • 🥇 Aiden Villacampa, PLAnet – 3D printing services and bioadhesive innovation for sustainable PLA plastic.

  • 🥈 Moses Jones & Eboni Nichole, SkeduleUp – Deal-sharing platform connecting small businesses with local consumers.

  • 🥉 Sonya Jennings, Te Te Sonya’s Heart – Keepsakes and affirmations to inspire children through personalized gifts.

  • 🗳️ Audience Choice: Aadi Vaidya, TremorTech – Wearable tech to reduce tremors and improve motion control.

2023 Winners

  • 🥇 Bryttany Hyde, The Little Sober Bar – Mobile non-alcoholic beverage bar for events and social gatherings.

  • 🥈 Shanara Sanders, Round The Way Vegan – Fayette’s own plant-based food oasis.

  • 🥉 Shakena Day, Taste Hydration – Cold-pressed juices and teas promoting health at the cellular level.

  • 🗳️ Audience Choice: Hasha John, The Sanctuary Café – A zen coworking and event space focused on connection and wellness.

2021 Winners

  • Edwin Moyo – Zoovie

  • Octavia Samuels – PlaySpace

  • Sonethia Williams – Dope Cookie Bar

We’re proud to support these trailblazing entrepreneurs and can’t wait to see who steps into the spotlight in 2025