Baker Hill Unveils $10,000 Pitch Competition for Oklahoma Veterans to Boost Business Ventures

Baker Hill Launches Battle of OKC: A New Pitch Competition for Veterans

In an exciting effort to support veteran entrepreneurs in Oklahoma, Baker Hill has introduced the Battle of OKC competition, offering a grand prize of $10,000 to the winning pitch. This initiative is set to unfold in Oklahoma City, culminating on Veterans Day, November 11.

Objective of the Competition

The purpose of the Battle of OKC is to empower veteran business owners by providing them with a platform to present their ideas and connect with essential resources to grow their businesses. Baker Hill has teamed up with The Verge OKC, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Gradient, and Oklahoma SBDC to bring this innovative competition to life.

Andy Ivankovich, the chairman and CEO of Baker Hill, emphasized the leadership qualities veterans possess, stating, "Veterans know how to lead, adapt, and find a way forward when the path isn't obvious — the same qualities it takes to build a business." This sentiment reflects Baker Hill's goal: to give veterans the opportunities necessary to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Who Can Participate?

The Battle of OKC is open to veteran entrepreneurs whose businesses are majority veteran-owned, have been operational for at least one year, and are registered in the state of Oklahoma. Prospective participants are invited to submit a three-minute video detailing their business, the opportunities they identify, and their readiness to advance in their entrepreneurial journey. Following this submission, a selection panel will choose ten finalists to compete in the final round of pitches.

The Live Event

The live pitching event will take place at The Verge OKC on Veterans Day, providing the chosen finalists with a platform to showcase their business ideas in front of a panel of judges. The excitement will reach its peak as they compete for the coveted grand prize of $10,000.

Kristin Garcia, Executive Director of The Verge OKC, remarked on the importance of the initiative, stating, "The Verge is all about connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. This competition will create valuable networking opportunities within Oklahoma's entrepreneurial ecosystem for veterans."

Community Support and Resources

The D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is also offering its expertise by supporting outreach efforts and connecting participants to entrepreneurship resources. Barbara E. Carson, Managing Director at IVMF, highlighted their commitment to empowering veterans: "Battle of OKC is a fantastic example of the community coming together to recognize and invest in our veteran-owned businesses."

Additionally, the Oklahoma SBDC will provide recruitment assistance and pitch coaching to the finalists in the days leading up to the event. Dr. Michele Hockersmith, state director of the Oklahoma SBDC, noted that this collaboration serves to fortify the support available to Oklahoma's veteran business community.

Long-Term Impact

Beyond the immediate competition, the Battle of OKC is designed to create lasting connections between veteran entrepreneurs and the resources required for their continued success. The initiative hopes to establish a robust support network that empowers veteran-owned businesses even after the final pitch is made.

Interested veteran entrepreneurs can find more information about eligibility and submission requirements at Baker Hill's official site. Applications are open until October 29, with the selected finalists set to compete for the prize on Veterans Day.

About the Partners

Baker Hill, based in Carmel, Indiana, specializes in commercial lending technology, while The Verge OKC, a nonprofit organization, focuses on fostering impactful business initiatives. The IVMF of Syracuse University aims to enhance the post-service lives of veterans, and the Oklahoma SBDC provides essential business development services across the state. Additionally, Gradient acts as a major innovation hub, facilitating connections among diverse entrepreneurs and resources.

The Battle of OKC not only highlights the resilience and potential of veteran entrepreneurs but also showcases a community eager to support their growth, making a significant impact on Oklahoma's business landscape.