
The 2026 Business and Leadership Conference will take place Friday and Saturday March 20-21, 2026.
The 2026 Venture Capital Showcase Competition (BLC2026VCS) is scheduled for
Friday, March 20, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Registration and submission deadline are Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
BLC2026VCS is designed to connect entrepreneurs with industry-leading investors and business experts. This experience kicks off with an electrifying pitch competition where participants present their innovative business ideas before a panel of live judges—comprised of seasoned venture capitalists, angel investors, and successful entrepreneurs. Contestants will receive real-time feedback, strategic insights, and potential funding opportunities to take their businesses to the next level.
There are two rounds for the Venture Capital Showcase:
1. The initial submission (Completed electronically via our online judging platform Judgify. The link will be sent after registration. If you do not submit documentation in Judgify, your business will not be considered)
2. The final round, In-person only on Friday, March 20, 2026
After the initial submission deadline ends, all entries will be judged, and up to 10 finalists will be identified and notified via email that they have been selected to pitch live and in person during the final round.
To enter, you must submit the following to Judgify (once registration is complete):
Venture Capital Showcase
1. One 30 Second Intro Video (optional)
2. One 3-Minute PITCH video
3. One high-resolution headshot
4. A 12-Slide Pitch Deck (PowerPoint Presentation, see below)
Beginning on the close of business on Friday, March 13, 2026, finalists will be notified that they have been selected to pitch on Friday, March 20, 2026. Finalists MUST give their pitches in person - there will be no virtual finalists.
There will be no walk-up entries on the days of the live pitches! All entries must have gone through the first round judging process.
The Venture Capital Showcase Pitch Deck should include the following slides in this order: