Happening Now
Upcoming Pitch Events
Our regional and countywide pitch season has wrapped up. Right now, the only active pitch opportunity is through our quarterly Tracy Pitch Events.
Tracy Pitch Events
Quarterly pitch events exclusively for Tracy residents, held in partnership with the City of Tracy.
In Partnership With the City of Tracy
Overview
How the Pitch Events Work
Start locally in a regional pitch event, then advance to the countywide event for larger prizes, broader exposure, and greater opportunity.
Eligibility: To participate, you must be a registered SJC Incubator participant, operate a for-profit business, and your business must be established in 2021 or newer.
Not part of the SJC Incubator Program? Register now.
Pitch Events
Local pitch competitions held throughout San Joaquin County, where selected businesses present their ideas live.
Prize Breakdown
Each region awards cash prizes to five winners.
1st–5th place winners split the regional prize pool.
How Pitch Events Connect to Countywide
When a countywide event is on the calendar, first-place winners along with five selected participants are invited to advance for greater exposure, larger prizes, and a broader audience of partners, leaders, and supporters.
Countywide Pitch Event
The main pitch event featuring top businesses from across San Joaquin County.
Prize Breakdown
- 🥇 1st — $7,500
- 🥈 2nd — $5,000
- 🥉 3rd — $3,500
- 4th–8th — $1,600 each
- 9th–10th — $500 each
Steps to Apply
Applying is simple. Submit the form and your application will be reviewed.
Step 1
Start the Application
Open the application form and begin sharing details about you and your business.
Step 2
Tell Your Story
Share what we should know about you, your business, and the impact you want to make.
Step 3
Submit & Get Ready
Submit your application. We'll be in touch with next steps.
Live Pitch Event Scoring
What Are The Judging Criteria?
At the live pitch event, your pitch will be evaluated across six areas, all equally weighted. These criteria apply to the live presentation.
The Problem You're Solving & Who It's For
Do you clearly explain what problem exists, who has it, and why it matters?
The People Behind the Idea
Do you (and your team, if any) have the skills, experience, or personal connection needed to bring this idea to life?
Progress So Far
What have you done already? This could include early users, customer conversations, a prototype, pilot tests, or partnerships.
How This Becomes a Business
Do you explain how people will find you, why they would choose you, and how money will eventually be made?
How Ready You Are to Move Forward
Does the idea or business seem ready for the next step—such as more users, more testing, funding, or scaling?
How Well the Idea Is Presented
Is the pitch easy to understand, well-organized, and confidently delivered with clear visuals and messaging?
Tip: You don't need to have everything perfect—just make your pitch clear, grounded, and easy to follow.
