NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)
Up to $50,000
$50K pitch prize for Black entrepreneurs
The National Black MBA Association's Scale-Up Pitch Challenge awards up to $50,000 in non-dilutive grant funding to Black-founded early-stage ventures. The competition is open to any US resident over 18 with a Black (African descent) founder holding at least an equal ownership stake. Businesses must be no more than 10 years old. Top three finalists pitch at the annual NBMBAA Conference & Career Fair for a chance to win the $50,000 first prize, $10,000 second prize, or $7,500 third prize.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $1,000 – $50,000
- Realistic amount
- Grand prize is $50,000 for 1 winner; 2 runners-up receive $10,000 and $7,500 respectively. All finalists gain access to…
- Deadline
- Annual — applications typically open spring/summer; semifinalist notifications by August 20; finalists compete at the annual NBMBAA Conference (typically September/October).
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- lump sum
Who qualifies
- At least one founder who is Black (of African descent) must maintain an equal or greater ownership stake in the venture
- US resident, 18 years of age or older
- Business concept must be in initial or early stages of development — no more than 10 years old
- Prior funding is permitted if from personal/family sources, seed capital, or research grants — disclosure required at registration
- The concept must be original work of the individual or team applying
- NBMBAA membership is NOT required to apply, but semifinalists must become members to advance
Hard requirements
- Demographic eligibility: Black-owned
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Working capital and operational expenses
- Product development and R&D
- Marketing and customer acquisition
- Hiring and team building
- Equipment and technology
- Any legitimate business use as determined by the recipient
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses unrelated to the business
- Ventures more than 10 years old
- Businesses without a Black founder holding equal or majority stake
How to apply
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1
Submit online application on F6S platform
Apply via the NBMBAA's F6S portal. Submit a business plan and pitch deck describing the concept, market potential, and growth strategy. The application also asks for the founder's background and prior funding history.
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2
Semifinalist screening
NBMBAA reviews all submissions. Semifinalists are notified by August 20. Those advancing must join NBMBAA as members to continue. Free or discounted membership may be available.
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3
Virtual or in-person semifinal pitch
Semifinalists pitch to a panel of judges. Top 3 finalists are selected to compete at the NBMBAA Annual Conference.
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4
Final pitch at NBMBAA Annual Conference
The top 3 finalists pitch in front of judges and a live audience at the NBMBAA Conference & Career Fair. Winners are announced at the event. A People's Choice Award ($1,000) is determined by audience vote.
NBMBAA membership isn't required to apply — only if you advance to semifinals. The award is non-dilutive: you keep full equity. All finalists gain consulting and mentoring regardless of prize placement.
Deadline & timing
Deadline varies by year and is announced on nbmbaa.org. Semifinalists are notified by August 20 of the competition year. Finalists pitch at the NBMBAA Annual Conference & Career Fair, which is typically held in September or October.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.