On July 17, 2026, days before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final, four American small businesses will face off in Verizon’s Small Business Super Pitch competition at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, NJ. The event showcases the resilience and community impact of small businesses nationwide, with finalists selected from over 500 submissions and four regional rounds.
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 tour company highlighting local culture and small businesses; and Renewed Focus (New York, NY), a therapy practice led by Melissa Robinson-Brown focusing on women’s mental health.
Verizon’s chief responsible business officer, Donna Epps, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses during major cultural events. “Big cultural events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 offer unparalleled opportunities for small businesses to gain visibility,” she said. Verizon provides free resources through its Small Business Digital Ready program, which includes online courses, coaching, and networking.
The competition began with business owners posting videos on social media about using Digital Ready resources. Twenty semifinalists competed in FIFA World Cup host cities, and now four finalists will pitch to a panel including two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Carli Lloyd. All finalists receive two tickets to the World Cup final, cash prizes, and mentorship on using artificial intelligence in their businesses.
Lloyd noted, “Succeeding as a small business is like soccer. It takes daily hard work and the right coaching. I’m proud to see Verizon champion small businesses through its Digital Ready platform.”
Verizon’s investment extends beyond the competition. The Digital Ready program, available to all U.S. small businesses regardless of Verizon customer status, has helped over 600,000 owners since 2020, with a goal to support 1 million by 2030. Participants in the Super Pitch received guidance from Precious Williams, founder of the Perfect Pitch Group and a successful “Shark Tank” participant, who also hosted workshops at semifinal events.
To RSVP for the event, visit the event page. More information on the competition and Digital Ready registration is available on Verizon’s website.
