The Small Business Center at Bladen Community College is inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to take the next step through Pitch It Bladen County 2027, an eight-week business development program and pitching competition designed to help turn promising ideas into successful businesses.

Applications are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is Dec. 11, 2026, and only 10–12 participants will be selected.

Pitch It Bladen County is an opportunity to receive practical instruction, individual business counseling and the tools needed to develop a business plan and prepare for launching a new business.

Beginning Jan. 12, 2027, selected participants will attend eight structured classes at Bladen Community College in Dublin. Classes will meet on Tuesday evenings from 5:30–8:30 p.m. The program was developed using the Real Entrepreneurship curriculum and is designed to guide participants through the essential steps of establishing a business.

Topics will include:

• Understanding business startup requirements and selecting a business structure.
• Developing a comprehensive business plan.
• Establishing bookkeeping practices and understanding financial reporting.
• Creating a marketing plan to reach customers.
• Understanding startup costs and financial planning.
• Preparing funding requests for grants and loans.
• Developing and presenting a business pitch.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants will receive two hours of individual business counseling with the Small Business Center Director. By the end of the program, each participant will have developed a business plan, financial plan and pitch presentation.

The program culminates in a business pitching competition. Participants will submit their completed business plans and presentation decks by March 25, 2027. Selected finalists will present their business concepts to a panel of judges representing local businesses and funding partners on April 7.

Thanks to the generosity of the program’s sponsors, the top three business pitches will receive cash prizes to help move their business concepts toward reality:

• First Place: $1,500
• Second Place: $1,000
• Third Place: $500

Winners will be announced, and certificates presented, during the Small Business Expo on April 21, 2027, at Bladen Community College. The Expo will provide an opportunity to recognize the participants and celebrate the next generation of Bladen County entrepreneurs.

Pitch It Bladen County is designed for individuals interested in starting a new business located or based in Bladen County. All types of businesses are eligible, including home-based and internet-based businesses.

Applicants may have already registered an LLC or other business structure with the state, but the proposed business should not have opened a business bank account, begun receiving income or started incurring business expenses. Existing business owners may also apply if they are proposing an entirely new business concept that will operate as a new company.

Applicants must be over 18. Individuals 18 and under may participate with a legal guardian who must attend classes and counseling sessions alongside them. Applications must include a description of the proposed business idea and a resume. Selected participants must commit to attending at least six of the eight classes, completing assignments, participating in individual counseling and submitting a final business plan and pitch presentation.

To request an application or learn more, contact the Small Business Center at Bladen Community College at 910-879-5572. Applications are available on BCC’s website: bladencc.edu/instruction/sbc/pitch-it-bladen-county/.

Completed applications may be emailed to tdennison@bladencc.edu  with "PITCH IT APPLICATION" in the subject line. 

Pitch It Bladen County 2027 is sponsored by Vision Ag, Hilton Companies, Bladen Community College and the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.