Four Small Businesses to Compete in Verizon’s Small Business Super Pitch Finals
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On Friday, July 17, 2026, just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, four American small businesses will compete in the finals of Verizon’s Small Business Super Pitch at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, NJ. The competition, which began with over 500 applicants, showcases the resilience and importance of small businesses across the United States.
The finalists—The Balm Box (Overland Park, KS), House of Perna (Delray Beach, FL), TWB Tours (Seattle, WA), and Renewed Focus (New York, NY)—were selected after winning regional rounds. Each business will deliver a pitch to a panel of judges, including two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champion Carli Lloyd, for a chance to win cash prizes and two tickets to the World Cup Final.
Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer for Verizon, emphasized the significance of major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ for small business visibility. “Verizon is proud to support these essential community anchors through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, which provides free resources—including online courses, coaching, funding, and networking—to help entrepreneurs succeed.”
The competition is part of Verizon’s broader commitment to small business development. Since its launch in 2020, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has helped over 600,000 business owners, with a goal to support 1 million by 2030. The platform is free and available to all U.S. small businesses, regardless of whether they are Verizon customers.
All finalists will also receive expert mentorship in using artificial intelligence to grow their businesses, positioning them to thrive in a digital economy. The event is open to the public, with RSVP available at https://events.bizzabo.com/SettingthePitch.
The Super Pitch underscores the critical role small businesses play in local economies and communities. As Carli Lloyd noted, “Succeeding as a small business is like soccer. It takes daily hard work and the right coaching. Whether it is a youth soccer clinic, or the local coffee shop, it’s the small businesses that keep our communities running.”
This competition not only provides a platform for these entrepreneurs but also highlights the resources available through Verizon’s Digital Ready program, which aims to equip small businesses with the tools needed for long-term success.