SJC Incubator: Regional & Countywide Pitch Events
Pitch Your Idea. Win Support.
Join entrepreneurs from across the region to take the stage, gain exposure, and compete for cash prizes and business opportunities.
Pitch Event Schedule
Choose the regional pitch event closest to you. Each event selects 10 businesses to pitch live.
Applications are due two weeks before each district’s pitch event. Because deadlines vary by district, it’s important to confirm which district you’re located in.
Not sure which district you fall under? View the county supervisorial district map (PDF)
District 1
- Date: March 20, 2026
- Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
- Address:
Courthouse Plaza
306 E. Main Street,
Stockton, CA 95202
District 2
- Date: March 26, 2026
- Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
- Address:
Courthouse Plaza
306 E. Main Street,
Stockton, CA 95202
District 3
- Date: April 3, 2026
- Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
- Address:
940 River Islands Parkway,
Lathrop, CA 95330
District 5
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
- Address: TBD
Overview
How the Pitch Events Works
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.
Regional Pitch Events
Local pitch competitions held across San Joaquin County.
- Five regional pitch events held throughout San Joaquin County
- Ten businesses selected per region to pitch their ideas live
- Open to businesses in any phase
- First-place winners advance to the Countywide Pitch Event
Prize Breakdown
Each region awards cash prizes to five winners.
1st–5th place winners split the regional prize pool.
Countywide Pitch Event
The main pitch event featuring top businesses across San Joaquin County.
- Ten businesses selected countywide to compete
- Includes top performers from regional pitch events
- Pitch in front of a countywide audience of partners, leaders, and supporters
- Designed to maximize exposure and momentum for growing businesses
Prize Breakdown
Awards are distributed across multiple placements.
🥇 1st — $7,500
🥈 2nd — $5,000
🥉 3rd — $3,500
4th-8th — $1,600 each
9th-10th — $500 each
$2,500 in regional cash prizes · $25,000 in countywide prizes
Cash awards, business exposure, and advancement opportunities
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.
Deadline reminder: Application deadlines vary by district and are two weeks before each district’s pitch event. Be sure to review the schedule above to confirm your deadline.
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.
Want to Learn More? Need More Preparation?
Join our workshop to learn how to qualify for the Regional and Countywide Pitch Events—and get support shaping your pitch before you apply.
March
3
2026
Pitch Event Breakdown Workshop
Location: Online
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Join us to learn how to qualify for our Regional and Countywide Pitch Events. Whether you're starting with a rough idea or something more developed, you'll learn how to craft a pitch and compete for funding.
March
10
2026
Perfect Pitch: Building a Winning Pitch Deck
Location: Online
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Learn how to turn your ideas into a clear, compelling story that grabs attention and builds confidence. In this welcoming, hands-on workshop, you'll walk away with a polished deck and the skills to pitch it like a pro.
March
17
2026
Pitch Event Breakdown Workshop
Location: Online
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Join us to learn how to qualify for our Regional and Countywide Pitch Events. Whether you're starting with a rough idea or something more developed, you'll learn how to craft a pitch and compete for funding.
March
26
2026
Perfect Pitch: Building a Winning Pitch Deck
Location: Online
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Learn how to turn your ideas into a clear, compelling story that grabs attention and builds confidence. In this welcoming, hands-on workshop, you'll walk away with a polished deck and the skills to pitch it like a pro.