In December 2025, the Escalon City Council adopted a new suite of economic development incentives as part of its
2025–2026 Strategic Priorities. One of Council’s core pillars for this two-year cycle is expanding economic
opportunity, supporting local entrepreneurship, and strengthening the long-term vitality of Escalon’s business
community. The Start-Up Pitch Grant Program is one of the tools created to help achieve that goal.
This program provides small, targeted grants to early-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to launch new businesses in
Escalon. The intent is to support promising business concepts, encourage innovation, and help new ventures overcome
the early financial barriers that often prevent start-ups from getting off the ground.
How to Apply
The Start-Up Pitch Grant Program is designed for new or emerging businesses that demonstrate readiness, feasibility,
and clear community benefit. Applicants prepare a short-written proposal and a brief pitch deck that explain their
business concept, financial needs, and how the grant will support their launch. Applications are reviewed on a rolling
basis starting in early 2026 until program funds are exhausted.
To apply, prepare the following materials:
1. A two-page written proposal (Word or PDF)
2. A 5–7 slide pitch deck (PowerPoint or PDF)
Your proposal should describe your business concept, the problem you are solving, your target market, your financial
needs, and how the grant will support your launch. The pitch deck should visually summarize the same information in a
concise, compelling format.
When your materials are complete, email both documents to:
[email protected]
Please include "Start-Up Pitch Grant Application – [Your Business Name]" in the subject line. You will
receive a confirmation email once your submission has been received.
To keep the process simple and accessible, applicants may use the templates provided below, but they are not required
to do so. Any two-page written proposal and 5–7 slide pitch deck that address the scoring criteria will be accepted.
Application Disclosure
By submitting a proposal to the City of Escalon’s Start-Up Pitch Grant Program, applicants acknowledge and agree to the
following terms. Submission of an application constitutes implicit acceptance of these conditions.
- The information provided in the application materials is true, complete, and accurate to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.
- Grant funds, if awarded, will be used only for legitimate start-up activities described in the applicant’s proposal,
including but not limited to equipment, inventory, marketing, licensing, or other early business needs.
- Applicants agree to make reasonable progress toward launching or expanding their business within six months of
receiving the grant and to maintain an active business presence in Escalon for at least one year.
-
Applicants agree to submit two required progress updates:
- Six-Month Progress Report – a brief email or letter describing business status, progress toward launch,
job creation (if applicable), and general use of funds.
- One-Year Follow-Up Report – a brief update on business operations, continued presence in Escalon,
and overall outcomes.
- Applicants agree to comply with all applicable City regulations, including zoning, licensing, permitting, and code
requirements, and to notify the City of any major changes to their business plan, ownership, or operations.
- Applicants understand that the City Council retains full discretion to approve, modify, or deny any award
recommendation and that submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
-
Applicants confirm that they have reviewed the Start-Up Pitch Grant Program Guidelines and understand the
responsibilities associated with receiving grant funds.
By emailing your proposal you acknowledge and agree to all terms
listed above.
Download Optional Templates
Applicants may use the template below to help structure their proposal and pitch deck. Use of the template is
optional; applicants may submit their own formats as long as they meet the program requirements.
How Applications Are Scored
All Start-Up Pitch Grant proposals are evaluated using the scoring rubric below. Applicants are encouraged to review
the criteria to understand how points are awarded and what reviewers look for in a strong submission.
| Category |
Points Available |
Score |
| Clarity of Business Concept |
10 |
___ |
| Feasibility & Practicality |
10 |
___ |
| Community Benefit |
10 |
___ |
| Use of Funds & Fiscal Responsibility |
10 |
___ |
| Readiness to Launch |
10 |
___ |
| Veteran-Owned Preference |
+5 |
___ |
| Total Score |
50 (+5) |
___ |
Applications scoring 35 points or higher are considered competitive. The Veteran-Owned Preference provides up to
five additional points for qualifying applicants.
Program Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Completed applications are reviewed monthly, and award notifications are
issued within 30–60 days of review. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited.
Questions?
For assistance with the application process or to discuss your business concept, contact the Development and Community
Services Department at [email protected].