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Scale Up Pitch Challenge FAQ

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August 4, 2025. There will be no applications accepted after 11:59pm on this date.
Entrepreneurs with ideas and concepts that is in the initial or early stages of development, no more than ten years. Have a founder who is Black (of African descent), who maintains an ‘at least equal stake’ in the startup.
Be a U.S. citizen and 18 years or older.
Founders must disclose any funding already received at the time of registration. There is an allowance for an idea or concept to be already funded before this Challenge by personal or family funds, small amounts of seed capital from outside investors, or modest amounts of funding stemming from institutional or research grants.
You do not need to be a current member of the NBMBAA® to apply, however if you are chosen to advance to the semi-finals, you must become a member.

The winnings from the pitch challenge is non-dilutive and you will not have any financial obligation to the NBMBAA®.

Yes, you can apply as long as you have not won first place in a previous NBMBAA® Scale Up Pitch Challenge.
All applicants will be notified if they did or did not advance to the semi-finals by August 20th.
Only one person is allow to present and pitch at the competition.
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