SUNY Westchester Community College will host its second annual LevelUp! Pitch Challenge on Thursday, October 15, providing early-stage entrepreneurs with the opportunity to compete for vital seed funding to grow their businesses.
The competition is supported by a $10,000 grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) through its Everyday Entrepreneur Program, along with a $5,000 sponsorship from Candela Systems Corporation. Together, these funds will provide critical startup capital to help offset early operating expenses and accelerate business growth.
Building on the strong momentum of last year’s inaugural Level 1 Pitch Competition, this Level 2 event will offer increased award amounts and expanded opportunities for promising entrepreneurs ready to take their ventures to the next stage.
Access to capital remains one of the greatest barriers facing new business owners—particularly those with limited financial resources or restricted cash flow. Seed funding can help entrepreneurs purchase equipment, strengthen marketing and sales efforts, and expand their customer base. The LevelUp! Pitch Challenge is designed to reduce financial obstacles, empower small business owners, and promote long-term wealth creation through entrepreneurship.
“The NACCE Everyday Entrepreneur team is thrilled to continue our partnership with SUNY Westchester Community College,” said Lydia Perez-Kavanagh, Project Coordinator for NACCE. “We have enjoyed watching the momentum and success SUNY Westchester has built through the Everyday Entrepreneur program, and we are excited for what lies ahead. We are especially grateful to Eridania Camacho, whose leadership, dedication, and tireless effort continue to make the Everyday Entrepreneur program a powerful force for student and community impact at SUNY Westchester.”
“SUNY Westchester Community College is proud to partner with NACCE and Candela Systems Corporation to provide this important opportunity,” said LaTasha Hamlett-Carver, Interim VP and Dean of Workforce Development and Community Education at SUNY WCC. “SUNY WCC pursues such partnerships that provide significant community impact, advancing our regional workforce and local businesses.”
Newly established businesses operating for six months to two years are invited to apply for the opportunity to pitch their ventures. Three prizes will be awarded:
- $6,000 — First Place
- $4,000 — Second Place
- $2,000 — Third Place
Entrepreneurs interested in competing can apply online at: LevelUp! Pitch Challenge Application – Fill Out Form
For more information, contact Eridania Camacho at g2e@sunywcc.edu or call 914-606-5616.
