Last year, I entered a small business accelerator program and pitch competition not knowing exactly what to expect. I was working a 9-5, growing my business, and I was 8 months pregnant. I questioned if I was in over my head.
What I didn’t realize at the time was how much the experience would reshape the way I think about my business, confidence, and opportunity. Pitch Day isn’t just about winning money. It’s about showing up prepared for the version of yourself you’re becoming.
For any athlete new to business, looking to launch a side-hustle, or interested in building their community, joining a cohort like this can be a life-changing experience. Here’s what helped me succeed.
5 Ways to Succeed on Pitch Day
1. Treat the accelerator like a season, not an optional workout. The biggest advantage I gave myself was simple: I showed up. A lot. I attended:
- As many classes as possible (even while on maternity leave)
- Sessions I thought I already understood
- Events outside my comfort zone
Just like training, consistency compounds. The people who get the most out of accelerators aren’t always the smartest- they’re the most present. If you’ve ever committed to a season, a team, or a staff role, you already know how to do this.
2. Be actively engaged—not just logged in. Being “present” doesn’t mean muted on Zoom while answering emails. It means:
- Asking questions
- Taking notes & doing your homework
- Applying feedback immediately
- Testing ideas before the next session
Accelerators reward coachability. I’m pretty sure judges can tell when an idea has been shaped by feedback versus protected by ego.
3. Use every resource, Office hours. Extra help. Practice pitch sessions. Networking events. These are not “extras.” They are the program. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from:
- Extended office hours
- In-person pitch practice
- One-on-one conversations I almost skipped because I was “too busy”
If you’re ‘busy enough’ to apply, you’re ‘busy enough’ to maximize the opportunity.
4. Practice out loud- not just in your head. Pitching is a performance. You wouldn’t expect to compete without reps—don’t expect to pitch without them. This was also something a public speaking expert shared with us. Practice:
- With people who don’t understand your business
- In front of mentors who will challenge you
- Standing up, timed, and under pressure
Once my pitch deck was finalized, being on maternity leave meant I had a built in audience of one, every day: my newborn. He was a very tough judge, but I’d expect nothing less.
5. Let the experience change how you see yourself. One of the most underrated outcomes of Pitch Day isn’t the prize money. It’s confidence. The confidence that:
- You belong in business conversations
- Your experience has value
- You can learn fast—even if this isn’t your background
For former athletes- especially those fellow moms who are silently doing so much, this matters. You’re already a problem-solver. Pitching just gives language to skills you’ve used for years.
Pitch Day isn’t about being perfect. Plus, if you’re willing to show up fully—even when time is tight—you’ll walk away with more than a pitch. You’ll walk away thinking bigger about what’s possible.
If you’re an athlete, former athlete, or administrator considering a pitch competition or accelerator: Go all in. You’re more ready than you think.