June 11–14, 2025
FreedomFest "Oasis of Liberty"
Palm Springs, California
The Principled Business Pitch Competition at FreedomFest showcases innovative technology to industry experts, media professionals, and top investors, highlighting solutions that advance freedom and free markets while inspiring the next generation of principled entrepreneurs.
Who is this for?
This program is designed for values-driven founders committed to promoting freedom and prosperity, who have a clear business idea or want to develop one in key areas such as individual freedom, character development, life sciences, creativity, or social entrepreneurship. Eligible businesses must be founded after January 1, 2022, have raised no more than $10M in combined funding, and include at least one founder living in the United States.
About the Program
This competition is the capstone of a rigorous 4-week training and mentorship program designed to support entrepreneurs whose businesses align with the principles of liberty, free markets, and capitalism. Participants will receive training in entrepreneurship fundamentals, tailored feedback, and exposure to an engaged audience of business leaders and investors at FreedomFest.
At FreedomFest, participants will showcase their businesses during dynamic onsite activities that include high-impact pitch sessions judged by a panel of celebrity investors and business leaders. Beyond the competition, attendees will have access to exclusive networking opportunities with an engaged audience of business leaders and investors, fostering meaningful connections that can lead to long-term partnerships.
Participation Fees
Standard Rate
$650.00
Student Rate
$325.00
This fee includes:
A Full Conference Pass to FreedomFest programming from June 11–14 in Palm Springs, California, including access to networking opportunities, dynamic sessions, “unconference presentation sessions,” and social events in the exclusive lounge space.
Enrollment in the Principled Business Startup Accelerator Program, offering comprehensive training, mentorship, and resources in preparation for the competition.
The opportunity to pitch in front of an audience of 1,000 to 2,000 at FreedomFest and compete for a $25,000 cash prize.
Access to business perks valued at $30,000, including exclusive discounts and credits.
Please note that participants will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meals during the event.
Meet the Judges and Coaches
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JJ Richa
CEO - Pismo Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage startups, particularly at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages
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Bernt Ullman
Often referred to as “The Man Behind the Brands”, Mr. Ullmann has been the trusted business acceleration expert by top fashion moguls and CEOs such as Daymond John, Eddie Lampert, and Tommy Hilfiger.
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Jenn Huynh
Program Manager in the Beall Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Paul Merage School of Business. This center offers hands-on experience and an immediately useful education about the process and importance of entrepreneurial enterprises.
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Jay Goth
Founder and CEO - Redtail Capital, formed to help the companies that want to make the world better come to life, prosper, and make a difference. Their focus include cleantech, biotech, energy, natural resources, and defense.
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Jim Woods
A 20-plus-year veteran of the markets with varied experience as a broker, hedge fund trader, financial writer, author and newsletter editor. He is the editor and investment director of Intelligence Report, Successful Investing, Bullseye Stock Trader, High Velocity Options, and The Deep Woods e-Letter.
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John Chisholm
The head of John Chisholm Ventures, a San Francisco-based entrepreneurial advisory, consulting, and investment firm.
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Paul Wendee
Paul M. Wendee & Associates, LLC is a boutique investment banking and management consulting firm. Paul M. Wendee & Associates, LLC specializes in the creation of value for business and non-profit enterprises and in helping investors recognize value for the building of wealth.
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Steves Forbes
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media.
What You’ll Gain from Participating
Real-World Experience & Exposure:
Pitch your business to active VCs and investors, compete for a $25,000 cash prize, and present on the main stage at FreedomFest.
Exclusive Resources & Opportunities:
Access business perks valued at over $30,000, including American Cloud credits, HubSpot discounts, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to secure a table in our exhibit hall at discounted rates, putting your business in front of a broad audience of potential investors.
Professional Mentorship & Networking:
Refine your pitch with expert training and build connections with liberty-aligned investors, founders, and thought leaders.
Additional benefits
Gain actionable feedback, investor introductions, and unique opportunities to grow your business during and after the event.
Build lasting connections with a community of principled business leaders and investors.
Participate in dynamic programming, including breakout sessions, "unconference" presentations, and social events in an exclusive lounge.
Mark Your Calendar: Important Dates.
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Early February 2025
Applications Open
2
March 20, 2025
Final Deadline
3
April 7–May 16, 2025
Accelerator Program
4
June 11–14, 2025
Pitch Competition
FreedomFest "Oasis of Liberty"
June 11-14, 2025
Palm Springs, California
FreedomFest is the one place you can come to meet other passionate supporters of liberty, meet your liberty heroes, engage with the most important liberty organizations and make a difference in the future of liberty. The Washington Post billed us “the world’s largest gathering of free minds.” Be part of it all, at FreedomFest.
Partner with Us
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$35,000 - Gold Sponsor
- Event Naming Rights: “Presented By ___________”
- Branding and Visibility on Stage during all competition sessions, including the final round.
- Opportunity to host a breakout session.
- Booth exhibit space at FreedomFest (valued at $8,000)
- Awards naming rights for the competition’s first place prize.
- 5 minute pitch on stage
- 4 all-access passes to FreedomFest, including VIP networking events and reserved seating at competition sessions.
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$15,000 - Silver Sponsor
- Branding and Visibility on Stage during preliminary rounds and final judging sessions.
- Booth exhibit space at FreedomFest (valued at $4,500).
- Awards naming rights for the competition’s second place prize.
- 2 minute pitch on stage.
- 2 all-access passes to FreedomFest, including entry to VIP networking events.
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$5,000 - Bronze Sponsor
- Branding and Visibility on Stage during preliminary rounds
- Booth exhibit space at FreedomFest (valued at $3,500).
- Awards naming rights for the competition’s third place prize.
- 1 all-access passes to FreedomFest, including VIP networking events and reserved seating at competition sessions.