Our 2025 StartUp Pitch competition is a great opportunity for our outstanding community of entrepreneurs and investors to come together and support the development of new business ideas.

On November 20, 4 presenters will compete for $25,000 in non-dilutive funding!

From May through November, we will work with a select group of StartUps who are ready to compete for a five figure cash prize. Selected companies will be supported by StartUp Westport leaders, mentors from our Mentorship program and the resources of the Westport Public Library.

Our First Pitch Competition will feature:

•Local /Connecticut-based companies

•Mentorship & Educational Support

•Shark Tank Like Pitch Finale

•Substantial Non-dilutive investment for awardees

Criteria:

●      Pre-institutional funding round

●      Existing corporation in an evaluable category

●      Connecticut-based founder or strong state association

●      Scalable business model

●      No "sin" products (smoke/vape, alcohol, etc)

Key Dates

Wednesday May 7:            Applications Open (closed 6/20)

Friday June 20:                           Application window closed at 11PM - thank you to our applicants!

Wednesday June 25:                           Participating startups notified                                

Thursday, June 26:                         Education event for all participants

Wednesday, November 20            Pitch night @Westport LIbrary    

Get Started!

In partnership with The Westport Library, the program will spotlight early-stage startups and support the state’s innovation ecosystem, culminating in a live grand finale on Thursday, November 20, 2025.