# Event Details - **Event Name**: Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 20 Aug, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Thu, 20 Aug, 2026 at 08:00 pm - **Event Description**: Four entrepreneurs. One winner. Watch live business pitches, connect with the community, and cheer on local small businesses.About this EventSee what's next for four rising entrepreneurs!After four months of building their businesses through the MORTAR Business Program, four finalists will take the stage for Pitch Night—a live business pitch competition where they'll present their ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to be named this cohort's top business and earn a loan opportunity through the Women's Business Center.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small business supporter, or simply enjoy discovering local businesses, Pitch Night is an opportunity to hear inspiring stories, celebrate hard work, and connect with the people shaping our local business community.During the evening, you'll:Watch each finalist pitch their business liveEnjoy complimentary food while cheering on the competitorsConnect with fellow entrepreneurs, community members, and small business supportersCelebrate as first-, second-, and third-place winners are announcedLearn how you can apply for a future MORTAR Business Program cohortBehind every pitch is months of hard work, determination, and big dreams. Come celebrate these entrepreneurs as they take the next step in growing their businesses—and be there to see who comes out on top. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/3b0dece0-99fd-11f1-9a40-7b90de720125-rimg-w1200-h222-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg Pitch Competition JudgesMore to be announced soon! https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/3b1e8eb0-99fd-11f1-9a40-7b90de720125-rimg-w1200-h222-dc486848-gmir.png https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/3b301ae0-99fd-11f1-9a40-7b90de720125-rimg-w1200-h222-dc486848-gmir.png Ana Assis, Founder & CEO at TYS Now | Managing Editor at Aspire Women's Book of Business & MagazineAna Assis is an entrepreneur, capital access strategist, and community development leader with more than 28 years of experience helping entrepreneurs access capital, build strategic relationships, and grow sustainable businesses. Born in the Dominican Republic and fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, she has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for women, immigrants, and underserved business owners.Her professional journey spans leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank, Huntington Bank, and ECDI, where she partnered with entrepreneurs across every stage of business growth. Today, as Founder and CEO of TYS Now, she advises entrepreneurs on personal branding, business strategy, and relationship-building, helping them position themselves for long-term success. As Managing Editor of Aspire Women's Book of Business & Magazine, she elevates the stories of women entrepreneurs, executives, and the organizations that champion them, highlighting the innovation and leadership shaping Ohio's business community.Ana serves on the Board of the Ohio Small Business Development Center (OSDC) and is an active member of organizations including NAWBO, WELD, the Women's Center for Economic Opportunity, Dress for Success Columbus, and Femergy. She believes that access to opportunity begins with meaningful relationships, authentic leadership, and a willingness to invest in others.Whether mentoring founders, convening leaders, or evaluating emerging businesses, Ana brings a practical perspective shaped by decades of experience across corporate banking, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and economic development.---India Pitts, Assistant Vice President Financial Center Manager III at Fifth Third BankIndia Pitts is an Assistant Vice President Financial Center Manager III dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals through personalized guidance and trusted relationships. She believes financial success begins with understanding each client's unique circumstances and developing solutions tailored to their specific needs.With a strong commitment to small business development and community impact, India partners with entrepreneurs, families, and community organizations to create opportunities for growth, financial wellness, and long-term success. Her approach is centered on meeting customers where they are and helping them get to where they want to be, recognizing that banking and financial planning are never one-size-fits-all.India is passionate about providing peace of mind throughout her clients' financial journeys. She believes that achieving meaningful results requires time, understanding, and a genuine commitment to solving each customer's unique needs. Whether helping a family purchase a home, planning for retirement, managing day-to-day finances, or supporting a business through growth, she is dedicated to turning dreams into reality.Beyond serving her clients, India is deeply invested in the communities she serves. She believes it is important to support the communities that support us by building strong partnerships with local business owners, community leaders, and centers of influence. Through these relationships, she strives to educate, empower, and connect individuals and businesses with the resources they need to succeed. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/3bb77350-99fd-11f1-9a40-7b90de720125-rimg-w1200-h480-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg The Economic & Community Development Institute's Women's Business Centers of Ohio guide individuals at any stage of the business process. Through one-on-one counseling sessions with WBC staff and volunteers, you can get the direction and resources to meet your goals. Business advisers want to help you successfully start a business, or grow and expand your existing business -- increasing revenue and creating jobs for the local economy.The WBCs present training workshops regularly to provide access to small business knowledge at no charge. They are the only SBA-funded Women's Business Centers in the state.Funded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.Women's Business CenterFederal Share- 50%- $150,000Non-Federal Share- 50%- $150,000Total Program Cost: $300,000 - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/columbus/lifes-a-pitch-mortar-pitch-competition/100001995123914335 - **Event Categories**: business, contests, workshops, meetups, health-wellness, art, literary-art - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 2 hours - Location: ECDI Columbus - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Columbus - **state**: OH - **country**: United States - **location**: ECDI Columbus - **lat**: 39.9825956 - **long**: -82.9597462 - **full address**: ECDI Columbus, 1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/5f9ad036308964844a0ddc142360ce112fed69b29443b145b2c9f80a090dd03f-rimg-w1200-h600-dc385858-gmir.jpg?v=1785824286 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition being held? - **A:** Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition takes place on Thu, 20 Aug, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Thu, 20 Aug, 2026 at 08:00 pm at ECDI Columbus, 1655 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition? - **A:** Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition is organized by Women's Business Center of Central Ohio. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Life's a Pitch: MORTAR Pitch Competition is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Columbus, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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