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Pitch for Hope: Empowering aspiring entrepreneurs towards business success

Inspired by Shark Tank, this competition gives small business owners the platform to pitch their ideas for a chance to win cash grants of up to ₱100,000—helping them grow their startups and build brighter futures for their families.

Watch the video and be inspired by the incredible stories of our past winners.

Kickstarting dreams to reality

Hear directly from past Pitch for Hope winners—ordinary individuals with extraordinary determination. These inspiring stories show how a simple business idea, paired with opportunity and support, can transform lives, families, and entire communities.

“We never stopped hoping for a better tomorrow—and now, the business we pitched has become a reality. With improved facilities for producing fertilizers, we can now accommodate more orders.”

—Cyrel, Champion – Pitch for Hope 2024

“Since winning the competition, we now offer a wide range of products! I’m proud to share that our business helps women in our community earn extra income for their families.”

—Honeychel, 2nd Runner Up – Pitch for Hope 2023

“Through patience and hard work, I found the courage to join Pitch for Hope to earn more capital for our business. From producing just 25 kg, we can now make up to 100 kg of banana chips per week!”

—Lina, 1st Runner Up – Pitch for Hope 2023

“Pitch for Hope kickstarted our business. Our dream of having a building for our mushroom production finally came true!”

—Marilyn, Champion – Pitch for Hope 2023

“Our savings group became more active after the competition because now we can dream bigger!”

—Ezekiel, 1st Runner Up – Pitch for Hope 2023

Be part of the change. Partner with us through Pitch for Hope.

Help bring life-changing business ideas to fruition and support communities in building sustainable futures.

Your support can empower entrepreneurs, strengthen livelihoods, and create lasting impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

ICM savings groups empower communities to build financial independence. Members save together, launch low-risk group businesses, and support each other’s medical, education, and livelihood needs through pooled funds. Most families in ultra-poverty have never saved before—after attending ICM’s Transform program, 95% join a group and gain a safety net for times of crisis.

To join Pitch for Hope, a savings group must meet the following criteria:

  • Be an active savings group, classified as Silver or Gold within the ICM Prevail Network.

  • Have an existing business with verifiable operations before the application date.

  • Show consistent activity and revenue generation.

  • Demonstrate potential for growth, such as scaling production, entering new markets, or hiring more staff.

  • Preference will be given to businesses that create jobs or address local community needs.

  • Finalists from Pitch for Hope 2023 and 2024 are not eligible.

  • Branch and Base runners-up may apply with a new business idea.

 

Submit your business proposal to your ICM Savings Group Coordinator. Entries will be screened during the preliminary round.

20% – Savings Group Journey
Clarity and impact of the group’s story, challenges overcome, and progress leading to Pitch for Hope.

30% – Big Idea
Originality, innovation, and potential market/community impact of the business.

30% – Business Plan
Clear strategy for growth, marketing, and use of the initial ₱15,000 grant.

20% – Business Pitch
Effectiveness of delivery—clear, concise, and engaging presentation.

Savings groups from the following bases in the Philippines may join: Bacolod, Bohol, Butuan, Cebu, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Koronadal, Palawan, and Tacloban. Last year, Pitch for Hope was also held in Uganda.

ICM supports savings groups through Prevail, a monthly network for savings group leaders. ICM provides training in income generation, financial management, accountability, and problem-solving—helping groups grow stronger and more sustainable.

You can help empower aspiring entrepreneurs by supporting Pitch for Hope through:

  • Prevail Sponsorship

  • Mentoring a Semifinalist

  • Event Sponsorship

To learn more, contact our Events and Marketing Manager, Bernadette Buenaflor, at [email protected] or contact directly at 09683080928.

 

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