Your Business, Your Money

Pitch Competition 2025

Where Learn & Earn graduates pitch their big ideas for a chance to win a grand prize, with over $20,000 in total awards and giveaways celebrating Asian Minnesotan entrepreneurship.

Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025

Location: Wilder Center, Saint Paul, MN

About the event

Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025

Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

*Event starts promptly at 10:00am

Location: Wilder Center, Saint Paul, MN

451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104

YOBIZMO and AEDA’s Pitch Competition 2025 marks our second annual showcase of emerging Asian Minnesotan entrepreneurs.

This year, we’re awarding a total of $20,000 in prizes to graduates of our Learn & Earn fellowship, a 12-week training program that helps small business owners strengthen their financial management, refine their business plans, and develop strategies for sustainable growth.

The competition is more than a stage, it’s a moment of transformation. Each finalist represents the hard work, creativity, and resilience it takes to build a business from the ground up. By investing in these entrepreneurs, we’re building a stronger ecosystem for Asian Minnesotan wealth, ownership, and opportunity.

Our mission is to increase economic opportunities for Asian Minnesotans by supporting entrepreneurs, building wealth, and advancing the Little Mekong Business & Cultural District through arts and community.

What is the Pitch Competition?

The Pitch Competition is a live event where Learn & Earn graduates bring their business ideas to life, pitching in front of a panel of judges and a supportive audience.

Here’s how it works:

The Pitch: Each finalist has a few minutes to present their idea, share their business story, and explain their vision for growth.
The Judges: A panel of local leaders and business experts evaluate each pitch and provide constructive feedback.
The Prizes:
- Grand Prize: $10,000
- Total Awards & Giveaways: $20,000 supporting multiple finalists

Experience a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration, alongside with local vendors, community partners, and a spotlight on entrepreneurship in action. This competition helps bridge the gap between vision and reality, giving Learn & Earn graduates the visibility, support, and capital they need to take their next step forward.

Register Now – Free Event

RSVP to attend AEDA’s 2025 Pitch Competition — a free event where our Learn & Earn graduates will present their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize, with $20,000 in total awards.

This registration is for attendees who want to watch the live pitches, connect with local entrepreneurs, and support emerging Asian Minnesotan small business owners.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

First name

Last name

Email

Zip Code

County

Age

Gender

How Did You Hear About Us

BUSINESS INFORMATION

(Optional)

Are you a small business owner? (Optional)

Yes

No

Business Name (Optional)

How long has your business been open? (Optional)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tell us about any accessibility requirements.

Please share anything that will help us support your participation (e.g. mobility needs, interpretation services, dietary restrictions, other requests).

TERMS & CONDITIONS

By submitting this registration form, I agree to follow all conference rules and regulations. I consent to be contacted by the organizers about this event. I understand that photographs taken during the event may be used in print or online, including social media and publications, without limitation. I waive any rights to royalties or other compensation related to the use of these images.

I agree to the terms and conditions.

Yes, I have read and agree to the terms and conditions.

Get Involved at the Pitch Competition

Support the next generation of Asian Minnesotan entrepreneurs.

Your involvement helps create a platform where small business owners can grow, share their ideas, and inspire others to follow their dreams. Whether you volunteer, vend, or sponsor, you’re directly investing in opportunity and community wealth.

Join as a EXHIBITOR

Showcase Your Business to Attendees

Share your products and story with the community! Vendor tables are available, giving local small businesses a chance to connect with attendees and gain exposure during the event.

Sponsor the Event

Invest in Entrepreneurship & Community Growth

Your sponsorship directly supports Learn & Earn graduates, along with the award prizes. Sponsors receive event recognition, promotional visibility, and the chance to make lasting impact.

Frequently asked questions

The Pitch Competition will award:

🥇 1st Place (Grand Prize): $10,000
🥈 2nd Place: $6,000
🥉 3rd Place: $4,000

A total of $20,000 in awards and giveaways will be distributed to finalists.

These prizes are designed to give Learn & Earn graduates the financial boost and recognition they need to continue building and expanding their businesses. By providing direct funding, AEDA helps remove barriers that often limit access to capital for Asian Minnesotan entrepreneurs in supporting their long-term success and sustainability.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSOR:

Your Business, Your Money

About the event

What is the Pitch Competition?

Register Now – Free Event

PERSONAL INFORMATION

BUSINESS INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Get Involved at the Pitch Competition

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I participate in the Pitch Competition to win prize money?

2. How much prize money will be awarded, and why?

3. Is the event free to attend?

4. Do I need to register in advance?

5. Will food or beverages be provided?

6. Can I record or photograph the participants?

7. How can I become a vendor?

8. How can I volunteer for the event?

9. Are there sponsorship opportunities available?

10. When and where is the event taking place?