By: John Glover (MBA)
In the bustling world of startup competitions, The Pitch Show is carving out a unique space for local entrepreneurs. Unlike a typical high-stakes atmosphere, The Pitch Show focuses on grassroots business ideas that aim to directly impact local communities. We caught up with Alan Siege, the show’s founder, to discuss how his program offers a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship.
Alan began by explaining the ethos behind The Pitch Show, “It starts with where I look. I have found contestants through the classes I teach and from posts on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. What they all have in common is that they are people who do not have connections to money or influencers, and their primary mission is to create a product or service that addresses a need for people like themselves, from their communities.” This community-focused approach separates The Pitch Show from more commercially driven pitch shows.
When asked about the show’s distinctive features, Alan quickly highlighted the lively atmosphere of the events, “Most business pitch contests are BORING! They are typically held in a conference room or a co-working space. The Pitch Show is different because it is the audience, NOT celebrity entrepreneurs, who decide who wins.” After each contestant’s two-minute pitch, the audience engages directly with the contestants, asking questions and ultimately voting on who should win the cash prize. “This interaction makes the show entertaining and gives the audience a real stake in the outcome,” Alan added.
A memorable success story from The Pitch Show is that of Quiaufa “Sherri” Royes, owner of Quiaufa’s Kitchen. Alan shared her journey, “Sherri grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, learning to cook with her grandmother and drawing inspiration from The Food Network. With the $1,000 she won at our Back-to-School Edition, she was able to rent out space for a plant-based cooking class, purchase supplies, and teach families how to cook healthier meals. Winning the prize money was essential because it helped her challenge herself in new ways and make a tangible impact in her community.”
Looking forward, Alan is excited about the potential to expand The Pitch Show’s reach. “My first goal is to livestream every show so it can be viewed by people anywhere on the planet,” he remarked. Like NPR’s “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” Alan hopes to bring The Pitch Show to different locations and engage directly with local communities. He envisions creating a library of past shows that could serve as educational resources or simply provide entertainment.
Alan’s passion for making entrepreneurship accessible and fun is palpable, and it’s clear that The Pitch Show is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of innovation, community, and the human spirit. The Pitch Show offers a refreshing alternative for anyone interested in seeing entrepreneurship through a different lens.
Visit thepitchshow.biz to learn more about how you can participate in or attend the next event, which will be held on June 5th at Sour Mouse in New York City. Consider joining the movement that’s making entrepreneurship accessible, enjoyable, and impactful.
Bonus Content: Did You Know These Fun Facts About NYC Entrepreneurs?
- Before Barbara Corcoran became a real estate mogul and a star on “Shark Tank,” she was waitressing at a diner in New Jersey. With a $1,000 loan, she started The Corcoran Group in New York City, which would become one of the city’s most successful real estate firms. Her entrepreneurial spirit is a testament to what New Yorkers can achieve with grit and determination.
- Did you know that the teddy bear was invented in Brooklyn? Morris Michtom, a candy shop owner in Brooklyn, saw an opportunity after President Theodore Roosevelt famously refused to shoot a bear on a hunting trip. He created a stuffed bear and called it ‘Teddy’s Bear.’ It was an instant hit, leading to the creation of the Ideal Toy Company – one of the most significant toy manufacturers of the 20th century.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
