On Friday, July 17, 2026, four American small businesses will gather at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, NJ to compete in the finals of Verizon’s Small Business Super Pitch. The event, timed just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, underscores the critical role small businesses play in communities nationwide. The competition, which began with over 500 submissions, has narrowed to four finalists after regional rounds across the country.
The finalists include The Balm Box (Overland Park, KS), founded by six-time cancer survivor Liz Benditt, which ships research-backed care packages for cancer patients; House of Perna (Delray Beach, FL), a sustainable fashion house by designer Amanda Perna; TWB Tours (Seattle, WA), a Pacific Northwest tour company founded by Marlie and Anthony Love; and Renewed Focus (New York, NY), a therapy practice led by Melissa Robinson-Brown focusing on women’s mental health.
Verizon’s initiative is part of its broader commitment to small business support through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform, which provides free resources including online courses, coaching, and networking. The program has assisted over 600,000 business owners since 2020, aiming to reach 1 million by 2030. Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer for Verizon, emphasized the importance of big cultural events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in providing visibility for small businesses.
The finalists will pitch to a panel of judges including two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champion Carli Lloyd, who noted the parallels between succeeding in business and soccer. All finalists receive two tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final and expert mentorship in using artificial intelligence. The competition also includes cash prizes.
Participants have received guidance from Precious Williams, founder of the Perfect Pitch Group and a successful “Shark Tank” participant, who conducted pitch workshops at semifinal events. The event is open for RSVP at this link.
Verizon’s investment extends beyond the competition, offering free resources to all U.S. small businesses regardless of Verizon customer status. The program’s goal is to empower entrepreneurs with digital skills essential for today’s economy. The Super Pitch finals highlight how targeted support and mentorship can help small businesses thrive, particularly during major global events that draw attention to local enterprises.
