On Friday, July 17, 2026, just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, four American small businesses will face off at the Antique Loft in Hoboken, New Jersey, in Verizon’s Small Business Super Pitch competition. The event underscores the vital role small businesses play in communities and the opportunities major events like the World Cup create for visibility and growth.
The four finalists—The Balm Box, House of Perna, TWB Tours, and Renewed Focus—were selected from over 500 initial applicants and each won a regional round. They will pitch their businesses 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 World Cup final.
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 small-batch clothing with bold prints and sustainable practices. 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 program, Small Business Digital Ready, provided free resources—including online courses, coaching, and networking—to help participants prepare their pitches. Donna Epps, Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer, said, “Big cultural events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 offer unparalleled opportunities for small businesses to gain widespread visibility and thrive.” The program has already assisted over 600,000 business owners since 2020 and aims to support 1 million by 2030.
All finalists received pitch training from Precious Williams, founder of the Perfect Pitch Group and a successful “Shark Tank” participant, who also hosted workshops at semifinal events. Carli Lloyd remarked, “Succeeding as a small business is like soccer. It takes daily hard work and the right coaching.”
To RSVP for the event, visit the event page. For more information on the competition and to register for Small Business Digital Ready, visit Verizon’s Small Business Program.
