On Friday, July 17, 2026, just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, four American small businesses will face off in Verizon’s Small Business Super Pitch competition at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, New Jersey. The event, which coincides with the World Cup, underscores the importance of small businesses as community anchors and the support systems that help them thrive.
The four finalists—The Balm Box, House of Perna, TWB Tours, and Renewed Focus—were selected from over 500 applicants and won regional rounds across the country. Each will pitch their business to a panel of judges, including two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, for a chance to win cash prizes and two tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
“Big cultural events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 offer unparalleled opportunities for small businesses to gain widespread visibility and thrive,” said Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer for Verizon. “Verizon is proud to support these essential community anchors through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, which provides free resources—including online courses, coaching, funding, and networking—to help entrepreneurs succeed.”
The competition is part of Verizon’s broader commitment to small businesses. The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, launched in 2020, has already helped over 600,000 business owners, with a goal to support 1 million by 2030. The program is free and open to all U.S. small businesses, regardless of whether they are Verizon customers.
All participants received pitch coaching from Precious Williams, founder of the Perfect Pitch Group and a successful “Shark Tank” participant, who also hosted workshops at each semifinal event. In addition to cash prizes, the finalists will receive expert mentorship in using artificial intelligence in their businesses.
Carli Lloyd, who will judge the finals, emphasized the parallels between entrepreneurship and soccer. “Succeeding as a small business is like soccer. It takes daily hard work and the right coaching. I’m proud to see a company like Verizon champion small businesses by providing year-round access to its Digital Ready platform,” she said. “Whether it is a youth soccer clinic, or the local coffee shop, it’s the small businesses that keep our communities running.”
The finalists represent diverse industries and personal stories. The Balm Box, founded by six-time cancer survivor Liz Benditt, ships research-backed care packages for cancer patients. House of Perna, led by fashion designer Amanda Perna, creates sustainable, bold-print clothing. TWB Tours, founded by Marlie and Anthony Love, offers tours highlighting local culture and small businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Renewed Focus, led by Melissa Robinson-Brown, is a therapy practice focusing on women’s mental health.
Verizon’s investment in small business development extends beyond the competition. The company aims to position small businesses for success in a rapidly evolving digital world, offering resources that help entrepreneurs learn and grow. The Super Pitch event is a testament to the grit and impact of small businesses nationwide.
For more information on the competition and to register for Small Business Digital Ready, visit Verizon’s small business program page.
