Competition Seeks Sponsors to Help “Elevate” Burke County Small Businesses

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Businesses, organizations and individuals can help support entrepreneurship in Burke County by sponsoring the third annual Elevate Burke Business Pitch Competition.

Organized by the Small Business Center (SBC) at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC), the competition provides training, mentorship and funding opportunities for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business in Burke County.

Local entrepreneurs are invited to submit applications describing their business ideas by Monday, Aug. 3. Selected finalists will participate in a free multi-day pitch workshop, where they will receive coaching on how to effectively present their business concepts. The workshop and final pitch event will be held Aug. 31 through Sept. 3, culminating in a presentation before a panel of judges who will select the winning business.

The competition winner will receive a cash award and continued training and support from the SBC. Prize funding is made possible through sponsorships from local businesses, organizations and community members.

The SBC is offering four sponsorship levels:

  • Small Business Champion – $1,000 and up: Includes all Entrepreneurial Excellence benefits, recognition during opening remarks and premium logo placement on event materials.
  • Entrepreneurial Excellence – $500 to $999: Includes all Startup Supporter benefits, plus business name and logo placement in press releases and event advertising.
  • Startup Supporter – $200 to $499: Includes all Business Booster benefits, plus recognition through social media posts.
  • Business Booster – $50 to $199: Includes logo placement on printed event flyers.

The deadline to pledge a sponsorship is Aug. 13. To make a sponsorship donation, visit wpcc.edu/foundation/give and enter “Elevate Burke sponsorship” in the fund designation box. Sponsors also may contact Mackenzie Bostian Adams, executive director of the Western Piedmont Foundation, at mbostian@wpcc.edu or 828-448-3123.

“I know this is a time of hardship for businesses and individuals alike, so know that I would not ask for your support without understanding the implications of what I’m asking,” Director of the WPCC Small Business Center Lily Laramie said. “As I ask you to donate to the SBC Elevate Burke pitch competition, know that I am asking not on behalf of the SBC, but on behalf of the new businesses that help grow our local economy.” Entrepreneurs interested in competing can submit an application at https://bit.ly/4wIf1KC. Finalists will be announced on Aug. 6. For more information about the competition, contact Laramie at 828-448-6719 or llaramie@wpcc.edu.

Published: 7/14/2026