Business Impact NW names 10 finalists for IMPACT Pitch 2026
Business Impact NW selected 10 finalists from more than 200 applicants across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington for IMPACT Pitch 2026. The small-business competition wraps Oct. 1 in Seattle, where each category winner will receive a $10,000 prize.
Why it matters: - IMPACT Pitch gives small businesses regional exposure, feedback from judges and a shot at $10,000 in growth capital. - The competition also connects finalists with community partners and potential supporters in Seattle.
What happened: - Business Impact NW announced 10 finalists for IMPACT Pitch 2026, its annual regional small business competition. - Finalists will pitch on Thursday, Oct. 1, at South Seattle College’s Jerry M. Brockey Center in Seattle. - The competition will name one winner in each of three categories: Startup/Idea Stage, Early Stage and Established Business. - Each category winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize to invest in the business. - More than 200 entrepreneurs from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington applied this year.
The details: - The finalists were chosen after four months of competitive rounds. - Participants were evaluated on community impact, operations, marketing and financial feasibility. - The evening will include networking with community partners, finalist pitches, food, drinks, music and the announcement of the 2026 prize winners. - Startup/Idea Stage finalists are Alexandra Kusherets of Longevia LLC in Port Orchard, Washington; Deanna Hoyt of TheraProfessional in Gig Harbor, Washington; and Joshua MacFawn of TRADERS LLC in Seattle. - Early Stage finalists are Pablo Vazquez of TJ’s Street Tacos in Seattle; Parvati Patil of Tiny Traditions, LLC in Seattle; and Sarah Howard of Krossfade Enterprises LLC in Boise, Idaho. - Established Business finalists are Federick Brooks of Sound Sports Performance and Training in Lynnwood, Washington; Joshua Yocum of Crutch Carries LLC in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Kaniz Shah of Silk and Stone Inc in Portland, Oregon; and Ross Wilkins of Queer Plants Café LLC in Portland, Oregon. - Event tickets and details are available through IMPACT Pitch tickets.
Between the lines: - The finalist mix shows the competition’s reach across the Northwest and into Idaho, with businesses at different growth stages competing on the same stage. - The format pushes owners to show both mission and business fundamentals, which can help identify ventures that are ready to scale.
What's next: - Finalists will present their pitches in Seattle on Oct. 1. - Judges will select one winner in each category during the event. - Attendees will learn the 2026 prize winners that same evening.
The bottom line: - Business Impact NW is turning IMPACT Pitch 2026 into a regional showcase for early-stage and established small businesses, with cash prizes and visibility on the line.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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