Square One Pitch Competitions

2026 Pitch Competition & Small Business Showcase

September 24, 2026
The Auditorium at Woodneath Library Center

If you’re an entrepreneur in the Kansas City metro (yes, YOU) with a unique or innovative business idea (yes, also YOU), this is your chance to pitch it “Shark Tank”-style for an opportunity of funding. Six finalists will pitch live at the Small Business Showcase on September 24 at the Woodneath Library Center. The audience + a panel of business leaders will pick the top three - who walk away with cash prizes:

• 1st Place - $5,000
• 2nd Place - $3,000
• 3rd Place - $1,000

Want to Participate?
Pitch applications are now closed.

Booth applications are open August 3 - August 23 to participate in the vendor showcase. Participating businesses can be product- or service-based.

In conjunction with the 2026 Pitch Competition & Small Business Showcase, Square One is also presenting a series of programs to compliment this event: Perfect Your Pitch and How to Rock Your Business Booth. These are not required for finalists to attend, but are provided to assist throughout and are open to the public.

Vendor booth applications are now open through August 23.

APPLY NOW

This work was funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of Mid-Continent Public Library.