Unlocking Opportunity Summit: Capital, Contracts & Connections for Growth
About this Event
Event Overview
Join the Winston-Salem Women’s Business Center for Unlocking Opportunity Summit 2026, a two-day experience designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources, funding opportunities, and expert guidance needed to take the next step.
Whether you're launching a new business, expanding an existing one, or looking for new opportunities, you'll gain practical strategies, valuable connections, and direct access to the people who can help you move forward.
Thursday, September 24: Pitch Night
Watch 10 entrepreneurs compete live for $6,000 in cash prizes across two categories: Start-Up and Established Business. Enjoy networking, light refreshments, and an inspiring evening celebrating entrepreneurship.
Interested in pitching? Purchase an All-Access Pass and complete the Pitch Competition application by September 1. See Apply to Pitch below for more information.
Friday, September 25: Summit
Spend the day connecting with lenders, contracting experts, business resource partners, and fellow entrepreneurs while participating in:
- Inspiring keynote presentation
- Breakout sessions on funding, contracting, marketing, and business growth
- Speed Counseling with business experts
- Resource Partner Expo
- Networking opportunities
- Continental breakfast
- Live Pitch Competition winner announcement
You'll leave with actionable insights, meaningful connections, and a clearer path toward growing your business.
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Event schedule
See the agendas below.
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Register Early & Save
Ticket prices increase throughout the registration period.
Whether you're looking to secure funding, win contracts, grow your network, or compete for cash prizes, Unlocking Opportunity Summit 2026 is where opportunity becomes action.
Reserve your spot today!
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Ticket Options
Pitch Night Admission — $25
Includes admission to Thursday’s Pitch Night, networking, and light refreshments.
This ticket does not include entry into the pitch competition or admission to Friday’s Summit. To apply to pitch, please purchase an All-Access Pass and complete the required pitch application.
Summit Admission
Includes admission to Friday’s Summit, continental breakfast, and lunch.
- July 1–31: $35
- August 1–31: $40
- Beginning September 1: $50
All-Access Pass: Pitch Night + Summit
Includes admission to both Thursday’s Pitch Night and Friday’s Summit, along with light refreshments Thursday and a continental breakfast and lunch Friday.
- July 1–31: $50
- August 1–31: $60
- Beginning September 1: $75
Eventbrite service fees will be added at checkout.
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Apply to Pitch
Entrepreneurs interested in competing must:
- Purchase an All-Access Pass
- Submit an initial pitch deck by September 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Click for resources to help you create or update your pitch deck.
A review panel will select five finalists in the Start-Up/Ideation category and five finalists in the Established Business category.
Important dates
- September 1: Registration, payment, application, and initial pitch deck due
- September 4: Finalists announced
- September 10, 6:00–8:00 p.m.: Optional pitch scrub for finalists
- September 23 at 11:59 p.m.: Final pitch decks due
- September 24: Pitch Night
- September 25: Winners announced during the Summit
Purchasing an All-Access Pass and submitting a pitch deck does not guarantee selection as a finalist. Applicants who are not selected may still attend both event days.
All registrations connected to a pitch application are nonrefundable, including when an applicant is not selected or chooses not to continue. Finalists must attend Pitch Night and Friday’s winner announcement. Winners must be present to receive their awards.
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Business Showcase
Business owners may apply to showcase their products or services during Friday’s Summit.
The $25 Business Showcase Application Fee includes one table and chairs. Event admission is not included.
Each person staffing the table must purchase a separate Summit Admission or All-Access Pass. Showcase spaces are limited to approximately 10–15 businesses.
Applications will be reviewed to create a balanced showcase and may be limited based on available space, business readiness, and overlap among products or services. Businesses that are not selected will receive a refund of the $25 showcase fee.
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Organizations are invited to join us in helping entrepreneurs connect with capital, contracts, technical assistance, and growth opportunities.
Silver, Gold, and Title Sponsorship opportunities are available from $2,500 to $10,000. Benefits vary by level and may include complimentary registrations, exhibit space, participation in speed counseling, promotional recognition, and opportunities to engage with attendees.
For sponsorship information, contact:
Pitch Night Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 05:30 PM
Welcome and Introductions
🕑: 05:40 PM
Start-Up/Ideation Pitches
🕑: 06:20 PM
Break
🕑: 06:40 PM
Established Business Pitches
🕑: 07:30 PM
Open Networking
🕑: 08:30 PM
Event Concludes
Summit Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM
Registration, Networking, & Continental Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM
Welcome, Kickoff, & Keynote
🕑: 10:00 AM
Breakout Sessions, Resource Tables, & Networking
🕑: 12:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM
Speed Counseling & Networking
🕑: 02:10 PM
Pitch Competition Winner Announcements
🕑: 02:40 PM
Open Networking & Resource Tables
🕑: 03:30 PM
Summit Concludes
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 28.52 to USD 81.88
