It’s that time of year again—the Sacramento Kings are kicking off their eleventh annual Capitalize: Next Gen startup contest! This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill entrepreneurial pitch; it’s the NBA’s first crowdsourced competition, giving local innovators a platform to shine. If you’re an emerging entrepreneur aged 18 to 30, this could be your big break—think publicity, mentorship, and a shot at a whopping $10,000 to fuel your business dreams.
The contest, run in partnership with the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Pacific Office Automation, and Fidium Fiber, is designed for those located within a 75-mile radius of Golden 1 Center. So, if you’re close enough, you can apply directly or even get nominated by your educational institution, which is a nice little nudge in the right direction. As they say, it takes a village—or at least a supportive school!
Applications are due by February 6 at 11:59 p.m., so if you have a groundbreaking idea simmering away, now’s the time to act! Selected contestants will enter an intense pitch preparation process leading up to the fateful Pitch Day. A panel of savvy executives and industry leaders will sift through the pitches and choose four finalists to showcase their startups. The excitement ramps up even further when fan voting begins around March 16 and continues until halftime of the Kings game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 3.
So whether you’re a budding tech guru, a gourmet food creator, or have yet-to-be-discovered brilliance up your sleeve, this could be your moment to shine. Get those applications in, and who knows? You might just be holding that $10,000 check in the near future—it’s not just a pipe dream, it’s within reach!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
