West Virginia SBDC announces AI Pitch Competition, with awards up to $50,000 in professional services, for small businesses to be held during Bridging Innovation Week
Morgantown, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS), PREDICTif Solutions/nClouds and TechConnect West Virginia for a small business AI Pitch Competition on Monday, April 27, from 3-5 PM, at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place as part of 2026 Bridging Innovation Week.
“We know that the use of Artificial Intelligence tools continues to rise, and that small businesses are implementing these technologies in a number of ways in their strategy and operations,” says WV SBDC State Director, Will Miller. “This pitch competition is a significant opportunity for West Virginia entrepreneurs to showcase their AI-driven innovations and potentially receive thousands in professional services to bring their idea to life. We are grateful for our partners and their support of small businesses.”
Up to 10 West Virginia small businesses will be selected to present their pitches to AWS leaders and industry experts for a chance to be awarded up to $50,000 in AWS professional services that can be allocated toward technical resources, architectural support and solution development delivered by PREDICTif in collaboration with AWS (subject to program eligibility and scope).
Entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in participating in the pitch competition must register online by Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Pitch applications will be evaluated by a review committee using criteria such as innovation, business potential, feasibility, and alignment with AI solutions. All applicants will be notified by email of their status, and those selected to pitch will receive full event details, presentation guidelines, and preparation instructions. Even if not selected, we encourage everyone to attend, support fellow innovators, and connect with AWS and AI experts.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to attend. Visit the Bridging Innovation Week registration page to register and for more information. Email the West Virginia Small Business Development Center at askme@wv.gov with any questions.
About the West Virginia Small Business Development Center
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a division of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting entrepreneurs to coaching, training, and resources.
WV SBDC business coaches hold professional certifications, including Certified Business Advisor® (CBA) and Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), and hold MBAs, with expertise in design thinking, AI, cybersecurity, exporting, technology, innovation, manufacturing, finance, management, HR, and marketing.
This program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures available at wvsbdc.com/fundingdisclosure.
For more information about the WV SBDC and its services, visit wvsbdc.com.