GrowthCon 2026: Join the Killer Pitch Competition
GrowthCon 2026, an exclusive conference and networking event for MSMEs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and students presented by The Business Manual.
Guided by this year’s event theme, “Unlocking the New Growth Playbook,” The Killer Pitch Competition is a platform for entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions that tackle pressing market needs through smart AI integration. The Killer Pitch Competition offers aspiring entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and student founders with opportunities through exposure to key business leaders, expert feedback and insights to refine business ideas, and experience in turning bold ideas into scalable solutions.
To participate, please submit the following in the form below:
- Online Application Form
- Pitch Deck that outlines these points:
- Problem Being Addressed
- Solution/Business Idea
- Target Market
- Value Proposition
- Business Model
- Go-To-Market Strategy
- Financials
- Growth/Scaling Plans
- Five (5)-minute Pitch Video
Participating groups must also note the following guidelines:
- Plagiarism will result in disqualification
- All submitted materials must be original and created by the individual/team
- The Killer Pitch Competition is open to start-ups, MSMEs, and business students
- Groups may consist of up to five (5) members
- All submissions will undergo initial screening based on the materials submitted
- Only the Top 5 finalists who will present live during GrowthCon 2026
Groups submitting an entry must be subscribed to The Business Manual to register.
Submissions will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Business Viability & Traction (25%)
- Is the business model realistic, sustainable, and well thought out?
- Problem & Solution Clarity (20%)
- Does the business clearly define a real-world problem and offer a viable, impactful solution?
- AI Integration (25%)
- How is AI meaningfully used in the solution?
- Scalability & Growth Potential (15%)
- Is the solution capable of scaling sustainably over time?
- Pitch Clarity & Execution (15%)
- Is the pitch clear and compelling to the judges?
The top 5 finalists will deliver a 5-min live pitch followed by a 5-min Q&A from the judges. Finalist pitches must include visual support that has been submitted to The Business Manual prior to the competition date. The Top 3 will be featured across TBM’s platforms and receive mentorship opportunities.
Submit your entities on or before June 22, 2026. Shortlisted groups will receive an email for official confirmation of their participation in the final pitch competition on June 30, 2025.
Your next big business opportunity starts with a single pitch. Submit your entry and bring your vision to life on stage at The Business Manual’s GrowthCon 2026.
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