Launch Fayette, in partnership with The Fayette Chamber of Commerce, and Jason Hunter Design, presents the 2026 Fayette Pitch Contest — a dynamic, Shark Tank-style event where local entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for prizes, exposure, and bragging rights.
Date: November 19th, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: TBD
Each of the 5 finalists will have:
5 minutes to pitch their concept
6 minutes of Q&A (2 minutes per judge)
It’s more than just a pitch — it’s your moment in the spotlight.
The Fayette Pitch Contest gives local entrepreneurs the chance to present their big ideas to a panel of judges in a live, high-energy, Shark Tank-style format. Judges “invest” Startup Fayette Dollars in the ideas they believe have the most potential, awarding real prizes and recognition.
To get there, applicants submit an overview of their business or concept. A preliminary round helps us narrow the field to 5 finalists, who will take the stage on November 19 for the main event.
Judges will receive $10,000 in Startup Fayette Dollars to “invest” in the businesses they believe in most. After all pitches are complete, each judge will also award a $2,000 Wildcard to the entrepreneur they want to give an extra boost.
Admission is free, but RSVP is required for entry. Seating is first-come, first-served, and early arrivals will enjoy prime spots for the live pitches.
The Pitch Contest provides an opportunity for self-starters to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and goals. These aspiring entrepreneurs have the opportunity to use their inspiration and business ideas to innovate our business community through economic development.
Support innovation in your community and gain exposure by becoming a sponsor.
Each year, the Fayette Pitch Contest highlights some of the most creative and impactful startups in our community. Here’s a look at some of the standout winners:
🥇 Tameka O’Neal, From Scratch Commissary Kitchen (and the Audience Choice winner) – A licensed commissary kitchen helping food entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their culinary businesses.
🥈 Ashleigh Pearson, Avec Noelle LLC – A luxury confectionery brand offering rare, hand-crafted, fine-dining-quality treats—giving customers the chance to share exclusive, indulgent food experiences typically found only in high-end culinary destinations.
🥉 Brandon McCarden, Fit Locker – A mobile, eco-friendly wellness pod built from a repurposed shipping container, bringing fitness, mental-health tools, and community-driven wellness experiences directly to parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces across Fayette County.
🥇 Aiden Villacampa, PLAnet – 3D printing services and bioadhesive innovation for sustainable PLA plastic.
🥈 Moses Jones & Eboni Nichole, SkeduleUp – Deal-sharing platform connecting small businesses with local consumers.
🥉 Sonya Jennings, Te Te Sonya’s Heart – Keepsakes and affirmations to inspire children through personalized gifts.
🗳️ Audience Choice: Aadi Vaidya, TremorTech – Wearable tech to reduce tremors and improve motion control.
🥇 Bryttany Hyde, The Little Sober Bar – Mobile non-alcoholic beverage bar for events and social gatherings.
🥈 Shanara Sanders, Round The Way Vegan – Fayette’s own plant-based food oasis.
🥉 Shakena Day, Taste Hydration – Cold-pressed juices and teas promoting health at the cellular level.
🗳️ Audience Choice: Hasha John, The Sanctuary Café – A zen coworking and event space focused on connection and wellness.
Edwin Moyo – Zoovie
Octavia Samuels – PlaySpace
Sonethia Williams – Dope Cookie Bar
Business incubator inspiring Fayette County’s students and entrepreneurs to learn and launch innovative ideas, from startup to success.
No person will be excluded from participation in Launch Fayette on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information in any of its educational programs, employment practices, or other services and activities.
