The Blueprint for a Winning Pitch

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Name: The Blueprint for a Winning Pitch
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM CDT
Website: SCORE Registration
Event Description:

Are you a Chicago-area entrepreneur looking for the capital and exposure needed to take your business to the next level? Join SCORE Chicago for an intensive, high-impact webinar designed to pull back the curtain on what it takes to win.

 

As we prepare for the 2026 SCORE Pitch Competition, this session will provide you with the exact roadmap used by successful founders to secure funding and mentorship. Whether you are in the early stages of an idea or looking to scale, this webinar will give you the confidence to submit your application and hit the stage.

 

What You’ll Learn:

  • The Blueprint for a Winning Pitch: Jim Jaffe will lead a masterclass on the essential elements of a successful pitch. Learn how to structure your story, highlight your financials, and capture a judge’s attention in those critical first 60 seconds.
  • The Power of Mentorship: Discover how the relationship between an entrepreneur and a SCORE mentor can refine a business model and sharpen a presentation for a competitive edge.
  • Inside the Winner's Circle: Hear directly from a 2025 SCORE Pitch Competition winner. They will share their personal story of preparation—from the initial application to the final nerves on stage—and offer advice on how to stand out from the crowd.
  • Live Q&A: Get your specific questions answered during our panelist conversation to help demystify the application process.

 

Why Attend? Pitching can be a game-changer for your business, but the process can feel'intimidating. This webinar is designed to be a supportive, encouraging environment where you can learn the "how" and "why" behind entering competitions.

Don’t miss this chance to gain the insights you need to make 2026 your breakout year.
 

Meet Our Presenter ~ Jim Jaffe

Jim Jaffe has over 40 years of experience as President / CEO of six different

public and private companies. He managed a private equity fund and spent

nine years in Eastern Europe and Asia investing in small businesses in

emerging economies. He has led an international non-profit association and

currently consults with a number of companies on branding, cash, and

inventory management. He has lived in the Far East, Eastern Europe, and Latin

America and worked with for-profit and non-profit socially and

environmentally-driven organizations.

Stacie Porosky, Score Event Committee, Mentor, Host

Stacie Porosky,  is a seasoned business leader in the Greater Chicago Area who specializes in providing strategic guidance to Fortune 100 organizations, focusing on growth, value, and customer-centric initiatives. She currently leads Training Strategy and Implementation at Mosaic North America, where she spearheads impactful training programs and drives retail excellence for Google Stores.

 

Outside of her corporate roles, Stacie gives back to the local business community as a mentor and an executive board member on the event committee for the SCORE Chicago Chapter.

 

Stacie's extensive practical experience is backed by a strong academic foundation in adult learning and motivational theories. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources Management from The University of Arizona Global Campus, a Master of Arts (MA) in Organizational Behavior Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Kutztown University
 

Panelist - 2025 Pitch Competition Winners

Craig Silver, CEO and cofounder of Sous

Dr. Chris Baek, founder and CEO of Yubeck

Ralleda Hayes, Founder and CEO of The Braid and Beauty Bar LLC

Briittney Autry, Cent(HER)ed Collective

 
Location:
Zoom
Fees/Admission:
Free