Verizon Super Pitch: Small Businesses Vie for World Cup Glory

As the world gears up for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final, Verizon is staging its own championship: the Small Business Super Pitch. On July 17, 2026, four American small businesses will compete at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, NJ, for cash prizes and two tickets to the World Cup final. The finalists, selected from over 500 applicants and four regional rounds, include The Balm Box (founded by six-time cancer survivor Liz Benditt, offering care packages for cancer patients), House of Perna (a sustainable fashion label by Amanda Perna), TWB Tours (a Seattle-based tour company showcasing local culture), and Renewed Focus (a therapy practice for women led by Melissa Robinson-Brown).

Verizon’s initiative is part of its broader commitment to small businesses through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform, which provides free resources like online courses, coaching, and networking. Donna Epps, Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer, emphasized that big events like the World Cup offer small businesses visibility and growth opportunities. The finalists will pitch to a panel including two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champion Carli Lloyd, who noted that succeeding in business is like soccer—requiring hard work and coaching. All finalists will also receive mentorship on using artificial intelligence in their businesses.

Beyond the competition, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has already helped over 600,000 business owners since 2020, with a goal of 1 million by 2030. Participants in the Super Pitch received guidance from Precious Williams, a “Shark Tank” participant and Digital Ready instructor. The event underscores Verizon’s investment in community development, offering a homefield advantage for entrepreneurs. For more details, visit the event registration page at https://events.bizzabo.com/SettingthePitch and the Small Business Digital Ready site at https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-program.