Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition
About this Event
See what's next for four rising entrepreneurs!
After four months of building their businesses through the MORTAR Business Program, four finalists will take the stage for Pitch Night—a live business pitch competition where they'll present their ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to be named this cohort's top business and earn a loan opportunity through the Women's Business Center.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small business supporter, or simply enjoy discovering local businesses, Pitch Night is an opportunity to hear inspiring stories, celebrate hard work, and connect with the people shaping our local business community.
During the evening, you'll:
- Watch each finalist pitch their business live
- Enjoy complimentary food while cheering on the competitors
- Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, community members, and small business supporters
- Celebrate as first-, second-, and third-place winners are announced
- Learn how you can apply for a future MORTAR Business Program cohort
Behind every pitch is months of hard work, determination, and big dreams. Come celebrate these entrepreneurs as they take the next step in growing their businesses—and be there to see who comes out on top.
Pitch Competition Judges
More to be announced soon!
Ana Assis, Founder & CEO at TYS Now | Managing Editor at Aspire Women's Book of Business & Magazine
Ana Assis is an entrepreneur, capital access strategist, and community development leader with more than 28 years of experience helping entrepreneurs access capital, build strategic relationships, and grow sustainable businesses. Born in the Dominican Republic and fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, she has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for women, immigrants, and underserved business owners.
Her professional journey spans leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank, Huntington Bank, and ECDI, where she partnered with entrepreneurs across every stage of business growth. Today, as Founder and CEO of TYS Now, she advises entrepreneurs on personal branding, business strategy, and relationship-building, helping them position themselves for long-term success. As Managing Editor of Aspire Women's Book of Business & Magazine, she elevates the stories of women entrepreneurs, executives, and the organizations that champion them, highlighting the innovation and leadership shaping Ohio's business community.
Ana serves on the Board of the Ohio Small Business Development Center (OSDC) and is an active member of organizations including NAWBO, WELD, the Women's Center for Economic Opportunity, Dress for Success Columbus, and Femergy. She believes that access to opportunity begins with meaningful relationships, authentic leadership, and a willingness to invest in others.
Whether mentoring founders, convening leaders, or evaluating emerging businesses, Ana brings a practical perspective shaped by decades of experience across corporate banking, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and economic development.
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India Pitts, Assistant Vice President Financial Center Manager III at Fifth Third Bank
India Pitts is an Assistant Vice President Financial Center Manager III dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals through personalized guidance and trusted relationships. She believes financial success begins with understanding each client's unique circumstances and developing solutions tailored to their specific needs.
With a strong commitment to small business development and community impact, India partners with entrepreneurs, families, and community organizations to create opportunities for growth, financial wellness, and long-term success. Her approach is centered on meeting customers where they are and helping them get to where they want to be, recognizing that banking and financial planning are never one-size-fits-all.
India is passionate about providing peace of mind throughout her clients' financial journeys. She believes that achieving meaningful results requires time, understanding, and a genuine commitment to solving each customer's unique needs. Whether helping a family purchase a home, planning for retirement, managing day-to-day finances, or supporting a business through growth, she is dedicated to turning dreams into reality.
Beyond serving her clients, India is deeply invested in the communities she serves. She believes it is important to support the communities that support us by building strong partnerships with local business owners, community leaders, and centers of influence. Through these relationships, she strives to educate, empower, and connect individuals and businesses with the resources they need to succeed.
The Economic & Community Development Institute's Women's Business Centers of Ohio guide individuals at any stage of the business process. Through one-on-one counseling sessions with WBC staff and volunteers, you can get the direction and resources to meet your goals. Business advisers want to help you successfully start a business, or grow and expand your existing business -- increasing revenue and creating jobs for the local economy.
The WBCs present training workshops regularly to provide access to small business knowledge at no charge. They are the only SBA-funded Women's Business Centers in the state.
Funded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Women's Business Center
Federal Share- 50%- $150,000
Non-Federal Share- 50%- $150,000
Total Program Cost: $300,000
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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