Plan to Enroll in the 2026 Build-Up Berkeley Business Pitch Competition

Business owners and entrepreneurs with big ideas can prepare to enroll in Build-Up Berkeley, a series of professional development courses that ends in a pitch competition. This will be the fourth year of the program, with registration opening in summer 2026 and courses running for eight weeks.

This is a competitive program designed to identify the top 10 applications. An independent panel of judges picks the top 10 businesses to participate in the program.  Not only do Build-Up Berkeley participants gain valuable business acumen to grow their companies, but they also compete for the Grand Prize. In 2025, local business owners competed for $10,000 for 1st place, $5,000 for 2nd place, $2,500 for 3rd place, and $1,000 for People’s Pick.

“I would tell anyone considering participating in Build-Up Berkeley in the future to go for it,” says H.D. Boyd, owner of Momma Boyd’s Diner and Saretto's Speakeasy. “If you have an idea or if you have an existing business and want to grow it, this is a great program to learn, network, meet mentors, and form lifelong relationships.”

Keep reading to learn more about Build-Up Berkeley and the benefits it offers. 

Each Week Brings New Insights and Information

Build-Up Berkeley is made possible by a team of educators who readily share information with participants each week. These educators take in-depth looks at various aspects of running a business, from creating balance sheets to launching marketing campaigns.

“There are always new things to learn,” says Boyd. “Surprisingly enough, I didn’t realize how much I would learn going through this program.”

Each session is designed to be interactive and applicable to participants. They take what they learn and are challenged to apply it to their business plan as part of their homework each week.

“The cash prizes will help build your business, but even if you don’t win, you are building your brand, becoming an entrepreneur, and working with different people in the community,” says John Ciriello, owner of Mamba Collectibles. “And that’s what you really want as a business owner.”

Entrepreneurs wear multiple hats and often have to become experts in concepts like business permitting and contract negotiation just to keep their doors open. Build-Up Berkeley demystifies various business aspects while connecting them with experts who offer individualized support. Contestants can work with these professionals long after the program ends.  

Every Participant is a Winner

While Build-Up Berkeley participants compete for a cash Grand Prize, everyone who completes the program leaves with valuable insights they can apply to their businesses. They also receive additional benefits, including:

• Educational credits provided by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
• Professionally edited headshots provided by Thad Reid.
• Invaluable networking connections with their fellow participants, educators, mentors, and judges.

The pitch competition creates an opportunity for business owners to showcase their companies and highlight any plans for future growth. Businesses are also featured on the Berkeley County Development Authority (BCDA) website and social media channels, further increasing their exposure.

“Build-Up Berkeley gave my business a big boost as far as visibility in the community,” says Kenna Drummon, owner of Chesed Cottage Crafts, LLC. “Before, I was a sole owner working at home. Now, I have a whole community of people that didn’t know about my business before.” 

Participants Allocate a Few Hours Each Week to the Program

Build-Up Berkeley is designed for working individuals, which means it’s possible to participate in the program while running a business. There are weekly sessions led by different educators, regular meetings with mentors, and homework assigned to participants.

The program is designed to challenge you to grow, while also respecting the constantly busy nature of entrepreneurship.

“I’m a mom – it’s just my son and me – and finances are really tight when building a business,” says Brooke O’Connell, owner of Positivi-Tea LLC. “There’s no way I could have personally afforded the 15 credit hours we received from the college, a headshot, and the advertisement to get my business out there. These are all things you usually have to pay for, and it was free for me. I lost nothing by participating in this competition. I only gained.”

Build-Up Berkeley unlocks opportunities and resources that aren’t always available to entrepreneurs. It is open to people who have been in business for years and want to grow, along with founders who just started their business – or plan to launch it in 2026. 

Follow BCDA for Build-Up Berkeley Application Announcements

If you are ready to grow your business in 2026, plan to enroll in Build-Up Berkeley. BCDA regularly posts updates about the application window so you can submit your business as soon as it goes live. Follow BCDA on Facebook and LinkedIn to receive notifications on everything happening in Berkeley County, including Build-Up Berkeley. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Joining a community of entrepreneurs, educators, and mentors working to grow the region’s business environment. Participate in Build-Up Berkeley this year and see how it changes you for the better.