On Friday, July 17, 2026, just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, four American small businesses will compete in the finals of Verizon’s Small Business Super Pitch at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, NJ. The competition, designed to showcase the resilience and impact of small businesses, brings together finalists selected from over 500 submissions and four regional rounds.
The finalists include The Balm Box, founded by six-time cancer survivor Liz Benditt, which provides research-backed care packages for cancer patients; House of Perna, a sustainable fashion house by designer Amanda Perna; TWB Tours, a Seattle-based tour company highlighting local culture and small businesses; and Renewed Focus, a therapy practice in New York led by Melissa Robinson-Brown that focuses on women’s mental health.
“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. The competition is part of Verizon’s broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through its Small Business Digital Ready program, which provides free resources such as online courses, coaching, and networking.
The finalists will pitch to a panel of judges including two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, who emphasized the parallels between soccer and small business success. “It takes daily hard work and the right coaching,” Lloyd said. All finalists will receive two tickets to the World Cup Final and mentorship on using artificial intelligence in their businesses.
Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program has already helped over 600,000 business owners since 2020, with a goal of supporting 1 million by 2030. The program is free for all U.S. small businesses, regardless of whether they are Verizon customers. Participants in the Super Pitch received guidance from Precious Williams, founder of the Perfect Pitch Group and a Verizon instructor.
The event underscores the importance of small businesses in local communities and the opportunities created by major global events like the World Cup. To RSVP for the finals, visit the event page.
