The Signal Pitch Competition
Give me the green light.
Pitch your big idea. Win big with Signal. Calling every DMV entrepreneur and small business owner to the stage — submissions open June 24.
Follow the signal
Your pitch journey
Watch the green light travel the path — five stops from application to spotlight, and we’re cheering you on at every one.
The Open CallJun 24 – Aug 1
Apply and tell your story
Complete the online application — your business, your story, and a little about you. Plan for about 10–15 minutes.
Final ReviewAug 1 – Aug 3
We read every single one
Our team carefully reviews each submission, looking for passion, purpose, and community impact.
The LineupEarly August
Finalists get the call
Selected finalists are notified by email and invited to pitch live in front of the Greenlighters and our community.
Live RoundsAug 11 · 18 · 25 · Sept 8
Take the stage with your people
Finalists pitch across four live event dates at Signal HQ — bring your crew, your block, and your loudest fans.
The Crowd Signal: the audience votes too — rally your people for extra momentum into the finale.
The FinaleLate October
We celebrate together — green light, granted
Winners are announced and celebrated, with prizes and ongoing Signal support to help fuel your next chapter.
Introducing the Judges
Meet the Green Lighters
The Closer
Luke
Ijams
They call him The Closer for a reason. With nearly two decades in commercial banking, Luke Ijams has built a reputation for turning bold ideas into measurable results — leading turnarounds, and scaling operations across credit unions and community banks.
At Signal, he leads commercial lending and treasury, partnering with executive leadership to align strategy with mission and deliver bottom-line impact. His superpower? Finding the simplest path to the strongest outcome.
Entrepreneurs — bring your best pitch. The Closer is listening.
The Greenmaker
Adriana Freeman
They call her The Greenmaker for a reason. With years in marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship, Adriana Freeman has built a reputation for turning bold ideas into measurable results to drive growth across the credit union and community.
At Signal, she leads marketing and engagement, partnering with executive leadership to align strategy with purpose and deliver measurable bottom-line impact. Her superpower? Turning bold vision into measurable green results.
Entrepreneurs — bring your story. The Greenmaker is ready to build.
Mr. Greenlight
Brian Daskalovitz
They call him Mr. Greenlight for a reason. With over 15 years in finance, strategy, and leadership, Brian has built a reputation for turning bold strategies into measurable results — leading financial transformations, driving revenue growth, and scaling organizations.
At Signal, he leads finance and treasury, partnering with executive leadership to align strategy with growth and deliver bottom-line impact. His superpower? Knowing exactly when to say go — and when to hit pause.
Entrepreneurs — bring your numbers. Mr. Greenlight is ready to decide.
Ms. Momentum
Raelese Allen
They call her Ms. Momentum for a reason. With years in leadership, HR, and executive administration, Raelese has built a reputation for turning bold plans into measurable results leading teams, streamlining operations, and driving progress across organizations.
At Signal, she supports executive leadership, partnering across departments to align strategy with vision and execution. Her superpower? Turning ideas into action — with speed, efficiency, and unstoppable drive.
Entrepreneurs — bring your energy. Ms. Momentum is ready to move.
What the Greenlighters are looking for
What Earns You the Green Light
You don’t need a polished deck, a fancy office, or a business degree. You need a real idea, a little traction, and the heart to bet on yourself. Here’s what makes you eligible, and what makes the Greenlighters lean in.
-
- 1-3 years in business (Past the idea stage, into the real work)
- Community-based (Serving and strengthening your neighborhood.)
- Ready for the mic (Able to pitch live, in person, on the event dates.)
- A DMV small business (Rooted in DC, Maryland, or Virginia
See yourself anywhere in this? That’s your sign. Bring the idea you can’t stop thinking about, we’re ready to give it the green light.
What’s on the line
More than a prize. A partner.
$5,000- Grand prize
$2,500- 2nd place
The top winner takes home $5,000 to invest right back into the business — new inventory, fresh marketing, your next big move.
Mentorship
A mentorship package and ongoing support from the Signal team, so you keep growing long after the mic drops.
Resources
Marketing support, free event space, and visibility across the Signal community to give your business real momentum.
Bank easier, bank faster, and bank better with Signal Financial Federal Credit Union.
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