Join Us for the 2024 Naturally Chicago Pitch Slam and Financing & Innovation Forum

Tuesday, May 21, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago

Brands: Pitch Your Company to Dozens of Investors and Compete for prizes valued at nearly $200,000

The Naturally Chicago Pitch Slam is the centerpiece of our Pitch Slam and Financing & Innovation Forum on May 21 at Chicago's incredible Epiphany Center for the Arts .

Here is the lineup for what promises to be a memorable event:

• Not one but two Pitch Slams, one for businesses with $1-4 million annual revenue, the other for businesses with less than $1 million annual revenue. Our prize package includes a combined total of nearly $200,000 in business services; our Pitch Slam judges are industry-leading experts. Apply to pitch here.
• The Financing & Innovation Forum will feature a discussion with leading retailers including: Mariano's, Fresh Thyme Market, Foxtrot/Dom's, and more.
• Brands seeking capital will exhibit their products at the Innovation Showcase.

The amazing program concludes with a Networking Reception, where you can join industry leaders to enjoy fabulous cocktails,

networking and more. To participate, your company must be a Naturally Chicago Brand Partner (click here​ to learn more).

For more information, click here​ to go to Naturally Chicago's Pitch Slam homepage.

Event Agenda

12:00-12:50 p.m.: Register and visit innovation showcase

1:00-1:05: Welcome by Ryan Pintado-Vertner of Smoketown Strategy, Master of Ceremonies

1:05-1:30 pm: Bringing Innovation to Retailers with Locally Made panel discussion: Amanda Puck, Mariano's; Jonathan Lawrence, Fresh Thyme Market; Katie Paul, KeHE (moderator)

1:30-1:50: Innovation Showcase

1:50-2:40: Keynote

2:40-4:20: Pitch Slam

4:20-4:40:

Building the Natural Products Ecosystem

• Locally Made: Jim Slama, Naturally Chicago

• Mentorship: Greg Keller, Naturally Chicago

Growing Financing Options: Jason Mercer, Cleveland Avenue; Salvador Dueñas, Chicago:Blend; Ashley Hartman, Chicago Seed Co.

4:40-5:00: Pitch Slam Winners announced

5:00-7:00: Innovation Showcase and fabulous cocktail reception

Please note: All ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be issued.