Educating small businesses on the latest digital marketing tools & resources
How to Nail Your Small Business Pitch & Actually Win Funding
1. Put Your Phone Down & Own the Room
Nothing kills confidence like watching someone read from their phone. If you’re glued to your screen, funders will assume you’re unprepared or unsure about your business. You don’t need a script! You need conviction. You know your business better than anyone, so trust yourself. Speak from the heart, maintain eye contact, and let your passion shine through.
Great pitching is the result of consistent practice. If you think you can wing it, you’re already setting yourself up for failure. Grab a small group of trusted friends, set a timer for 60 and 5 minutes, and 10 minutes, and rehearse until your pitch feels effortless. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll sound.
3. Show! Don’t Tell!
A pitch is a storytelling experience. If you have a product-based business, always bring a sample. Let the judges or funders see, touch, and engage with it so they can visualize its value. If you run a service-based business, use emotion to make your audience feel the impact of what you do. A powerful story can help them connect with your mission on a deeper level.
4. Drop a Powerful Fact or Accomplishment
One of the easiest ways to grab attention is by stating an interesting fact, an accomplishment, or a key statistic. Have you hit a major revenue milestone? Solved a problem for thousands of customers? Been featured in major media? Funders want proof that your business is making an impact, so give them a strong reason to believe in you.
5. Prove Why Your Business Deserves Funding
Justify why you need funding and how you’ll use it. Funders want to know their money will make a difference. Will it help you scale operations? Invest in marketing? Expand into new markets? Be specific about how this investment will help you grow and generate returns.
6. Know Your Audience & Align Your Pitch
Not all funders are looking for the same thing. Some care about community impact, others prioritize high-growth potential, and some focus on innovation. Before you pitch, research your audience and tailor your message accordingly. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it! Make sure your pitch aligns with the funder’s goals.
Becoming a great speaker/pitcher is something you develop with time, effort, and strategy. The best pitches combine confidence, clarity, and storytelling to leave a lasting impression. So the next time you step up to pitch, own your voice, believe in your business, and make them see why you’re worth investing in.
