The U.S. Small Business Administration recently hosted its historic Million Dollar Pitch Competition—also known as the Patriot Pitch Competition—bringing together the most innovative and resilient small businesses from across the country. As part of the national Freedom 250 celebrations, a total prize pool of $1 million funded by Clover Network, Inc. was awarded to five exceptional companies.
We are incredibly proud to announce that the SBDC network left a massive footprint on the national stage. Nearly all of the top five finalists are long-term clients of America’s Small Business Development Centers, demonstrating how local mentorship and technical assistance translate directly into hyper-scale growth and national recognition.
Here is a closer look at the SBDC-assisted businesses that captured the attention of the judges—including Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, and Joe Gebbia—and walked away with life-changing funding.
The SBDC Success Stories
🏆 Grand Prize Winner ($400,000)
Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc – Garner, Iowa
Long before Plas-Tech Tooling became a premier manufacturing entity in Iowa, founders Dean and Marcia Sonquist were entrepreneurs looking for a solid blueprint. They turned to the North Iowa Area SBDC, working closely with advisor Brook Boehmler. The SBDC helped them draft the initial, rock-solid business plan that successfully secured their very first bank loans. Decades later, that foundation powered them all the way to the top spot in the country, earning them the $400,000 grand prize from SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.
🥈 2nd Place ($250,000)
Winton Machine Company – Suwanee, Georgia
Lisa and George Winton have built Winton Machine Company into a manufacturing powerhouse, but their scaling journey was supercharged by the University of Georgia SBDC. When the company wanted to expand globally, SBDC advisors guided them through the complex regulatory and contractual waters of their very first international trade contract with South Korea. Additionally, the Wintons utilized the SBDC’s specialized executive training programs like GrowSmart™ to continually refine their operations.
🎖️ 4th Place ($125,000)
VetPowered LLC – San Diego, California
For VetPowered, a veteran-owned advanced manufacturing firm, the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network has been what founder Hernán Luis y Prado explicitly calls a “battle-tested partner.” VetPowered utilized intensive 1-on-1 SBDC counseling to navigate the complex pathways of securing crucial SBA 504 and 7(a) loans. The SBDC also provided the critical legal and operational guidance needed to secure their 8(a) federal contracting certification, positioning them to win massive government projects.
🎖️ 5th Place ($75,000)
Compotech, Inc. – Brewer, Maine
Compotech, a defense manufacturer specialized in blast protection and composite materials, has long been recognized for its local economic impact. Their path to the national stage was paved by local advocacy; they were officially nominated for their regional SBA accolades by Jennifer Boutin, an advisor from the Maine SBDC network. Their $75,000 win highlights the deep, ongoing relationships between local SBDC advisors and the high-growth tech sectors they support.
Your Small Business is Next
The sweeping success of these companies at the Million Dollar Pitch Competition is proof that you don’t have to navigate the entrepreneurial journey alone. Whether you are drafting a business plan like Plas-Tech Tooling once did, expanding globally like Winton Machine, or seeking federal certifications like VetPowered, your local SBDC provides the nocost consulting and low-cost training required to win.
The special broadcast event, hosted by Dean Cain, is currently available to stream on YouTube and Prime Video. Watch our incredible clients shine, and then take the next step for your own business.
Ready to write your own success story? Find your local SBDC advisors and resources today!