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Baker Hill Launches $10,000 Battle of OKC Pitch Competition for Veteran EntrepreneursNew competition brings Baker Hill, The Verge OKC, IVMF, Gradient, and Oklahoma SBDC together to support Oklahoma veterans as they build and grow businesses OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Oklahoma veteran entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to compete for $10,000, showcase their businesses and connect with resources to help them grow through Battle of OKC, a new business pitch competition culminating live on Veterans Day in Oklahoma City.
Baker Hill today announced the competition in collaboration with The Verge OKC and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Gradient and Oklahoma SBDC. Battle of OKC will bring veteran entrepreneurs together with business leaders, mentors and community resources while giving them a platform to put their ideas and businesses in the spotlight. "Veterans know how to lead, adapt and find a way forward when the path isn't obvious — the same qualities it takes to build a business," said Andy Ivankovich, chairman and CEO of Baker Hill. "Battle of OKC is about putting opportunity behind that potential. We want to give veteran entrepreneurs a platform to tell their stories, connect with people and resources that can help them grow and compete for capital that can make a meaningful difference in what comes next." Battle of OKC is open Veteran entrepreneurs whose business is majority veteran-owned, has operated for at least one year, and is registered in Oklahoma. Applicants will begin by submitting a three-minute video introducing their business, the opportunity they see and why they are ready to take the next step. A panel will select 10 entrepreneurs to advance to finals. Ten finalists will then advance to the live Battle of OKC on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Verge in Oklahoma City, where they will pitch before a panel of judges and compete for a $10,000 grand prize. The Verge OKC, a nonprofit community that helps turn ideas into impactful businesses, will help recruit and coach participating entrepreneurs throughout the competition. "The Verge is all about connecting entrepreneurs with the people, resources, and opportunities they need to turn their idas into thriving businesses", said Kristin Garcia, Executive Director. "We're excited to be part of Battle of OKC and to purposefully create space for our military community to engage with Oklahoma's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Veterans bring valuable skills, leadership, and unique perspectives to business ownership, and they deserve to know there's a community here ready to support them as they build and grow their businesses." The D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), will provide support outreach and recruitment/connect participating veterans with entrepreneurship resources/provide expertise. "Just last month, we brought together veteran entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners in Oklahoma City for the Military Entrepreneurship Forum. Battle of OKC is a great example of how that momentum continues, with the community coming together to recognize, celebrate, and invest in Oklahoma's veteran-owned businesses, said Barbara E. Carson, Managing Director, Programs and Policy. D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. "At the D'Aniello IVMF, we know that when veteran entrepreneurs have access to the right networks, resources, and opportunities, they can build thriving businesses that strengthen their communities." Oklahoma SBDC will also provide recruitment and pitch coaching for the finalists the week of the event. "This collaboration brings together partners with complementary expertise to support Oklahoma's veteran business owners," said Dr. Michele Hockersmith, state director of the Oklahoma SBDC. "Our role is to help entrepreneurs connect their pitch to a sound business strategy, with clear financials and realistic growth plans. That preparation has value for the competition and beyond." Battle of OKC is designed to provide more than a stage and a prize. By bringing together veteran entrepreneurs, business leaders and organizations committed to supporting entrepreneurship, the competition creates connections and access to expertise that can continue well beyond the final pitch. Veteran entrepreneurs interested in competing can learn more about eligibility and submit their three-minute video pitch at www.bakerhill.com/okc. Applications close October 29. Ten finalists will be selected to compete live in Oklahoma City on Veterans Day. About Baker Hill About The Verge OKC About the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families About Oklahoma SBDC About Gradient
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