On Friday, July 17, 2026, four American small businesses will gather at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, NJ to compete in the finals of Verizon's Small Business Super Pitch competition. The event, held just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, showcases the resilience and impact of small businesses across the nation. The finalists, selected from over 500 applicants and four regional rounds, will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges including two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion Carli Lloyd.
The four finalists are The Balm Box (Overland Park, KS), founded by six-time cancer survivor Liz Benditt, which provides research-backed care packages for cancer patients; House of Perna (Delray Beach, FL), a sustainable fashion house by 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 initiative is part of its Small Business Digital Ready program, a free resource offering online courses, coaching, and networking to help entrepreneurs succeed. The program has supported over 600,000 business owners since 2020, aiming to reach 1 million by 2030. Finalists will receive mentorship on using artificial intelligence, cash prizes, and tickets to the World Cup final. "Big cultural events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 offer unparalleled opportunities for small businesses to gain widespread visibility and thrive," said Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer for Verizon.
Carli Lloyd emphasized the parallels between sports and small business success, noting the importance of daily hard work and coaching. All participants received guidance from Precious Williams, founder of the Perfect Pitch Group and a successful "Shark Tank" participant, who also hosted pitch workshops at semifinal events. The competition underscores the role of small businesses as community anchors and Verizon's commitment to digital inclusion. For more information, visit the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program or RSVP for the event at Bizzabo.
