How to Pitch Your Business & Get Funding | Panel Talk & Pitch Slam

On Friday 31st March 2023, we’re opening our doors to creators, entrepreneurs and small business owners everywhere who want to learn the skills they need to deliver a showstopping pitch.

Whether you’re building a small business that’s going to help a tight-knit group of people, or you’re creating a start-up that’s going to scale all the way to Silicon Valley, our panel of experts will give you the skills you need to deliver a pitch that’s sure to seal the deal.

And with six lucky creatives getting the opportunity to pitch to our panel, it’s a great opportunity to see some top-notch pitches, get some helpful feedback from our experts, and learn how to get the most out of just 3 minutes in front of an audience.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WHEN?

At 7pm, our panel of experts will give a talk on how to present yourself and your business, sharing their own experience of delivering verbal pitches both individually and in front of an audience.

They’ll focus on how to develop your pitch for different audiences and to hit different objectives – whether that’s to raise funding, build an audience or raise the profile of your brand.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and you can submit your questions in advance by emailing hosts@impactbrixton.com. It’s the best way to make sure your question gets answered!

At 7:30pm, six founders will each deliver a three-minute pitch to our panel and audience. The panel will give feedback, and the audience will have a chance to submit their feedback through our anonymous form.

Whether you decide to pitch or watch from the audience, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your pitching skills. And there’ll be prizes for everyone who pitches.

At 8:30pm, you’re free to network with a complimentary glass of free rum punch (or a non-alcoholic alternative!), and our pop-up bar will be open. Compare notes on your pitches and spread the word about your business – it’s the perfect chance to build your network.

6:30pm: Doors open

7pm: Panel talk

7:30pm: Pitches and feedback

8:30pm: Networking

9:30pm: Close

SIGN UP TO PITCH

Tickets are £5, but FREE if you are selected to pitch. There are only 6 slots available, though, so you’ll have to be quick! Email hosts@impactbrixton.com with your name and a little bit about what you do. You’ll hear back from us by 22nd February 2023 if you’ve been successful in getting a slot.

You’re welcome to pitch with or without a presentation – we have a screen that you can use, but don’t feel you need to prepare something just because the option is there. We’ve seen incredible pitches with impressive presentations, and we’ve also been blown away by a person with a microphone just speaking from the heart. Do it your way – that’s the best way.

Nervous? Don’t be. Impact Brixton is a diverse and welcoming space, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs thrive. All feedback will be measured and constructive, with the sole goal of helping you build the business of your dreams.

THE PRIZES

Everyone who pitches will get sent a spreadsheet of feedback from the audience, as well as advice from our panel of experts. We’ll also film each pitch on the night, and we’ll share the video of your pitch, your name and a link to your website across our social media.

One lucky winner will receive free hotdesking for three months at our space in the heart of Brixton Village, one year of free Virtual Office for their business, a free bottle of Market Row Rum, and one hour of executive coaching with Gerald Vanderpuye (Founder of Impact Brixton).

There’s a lot up for grabs, so apply to pitch and get ready to put your best foot forward!

THE PANEL

Gerald Vanderpuye, Founder of Impact Brixton

Gerald is a creator, mentor and entrepreneur and writer. Gerald dedicates much of his time to learning, writing and teaching about customer development, B2B sales and how WEB 3.0 has the potential for creating a sustainable and equitable future for creators.

Gerald co-founded a B2B enterprise software platform shodeck.com(previously BuyerDeck), which won Mass challenges UK startup of the year in 2015 and is used by tech companies globally to close sales deals faster.

Gerald has since co-founded Impact Brixton, an innovation hub in brixton home to over 200 freelancers, entrepreneurs, and social change-makers and the only large-scale Black-owned co-working space in Europe. You can learn more about his companies, investments and projects via his blog, virtuecollectorsclub.com.

Shari Leigh, Founder of the Black Business Network

After a decade-long career in the events industry, as a Global Operations Manager for Membership and Financial Institutions; Shari was inspired to use her skills to create safe spaces for Black entrepreneurs to connect and learn from each other. The Black Business Network provides networking opportunities, financing and business workshops, and flagship conferences like Black Investor 360.

Jay Crawford, Focus Academy

Jay Crawford aka Mr Focus is an educator, trainer and natural storyteller who has impacted education and corporate training sessions across the globe through his talks on leadership practice, growth mindset and emotional resilience.

Throughout his 20 years of experience, he has empowered and educated students, teachers, and senior leaders from a variety of backgrounds. He has worked with multi-national organisations such as CBRE, DWP, Lloyds Bank, Nike, Sports Direct, and his talks have reached hundreds of thousands of people from over 1000 educational institutions and correctional facilities across the UK.