Baker Hill Launches $10,000 Battle of OKC Pitch Competition for Veteran Entrepreneurs

New 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 ideas 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
Baker Hill is the leading provider of commercial lending technology for banks and credit unions across the United States. Each month, financial institutions use Baker Hill's platform to process more than $7 billion in lending originations — helping them Lend Better, Lend Faster, and Lend More™ in their communities. Backed by Flexpoint Ford, a private equity firm, Baker Hill delivers the scale, security and innovation required to meet the demands of modern banking. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, with operations in Santa Barbara, California. For more information, visit www.bakerhill.com.

About The Verge OKC
The Verge OKC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community that helps turn ideas into impactful businesses, will help recruit and coach participating entrepreneurs throughout the competition. Learn more: https://www.vergeokc.com 

About the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
The IVMF at Syracuse University is higher education's first interdisciplinary academic institute, singularly focused on advancing the post-service lives of the nation's military veterans and their families to serve those who have served. Learn more: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu 

About Oklahoma SBDC
The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (Oklahoma SBDC) provides confidential, no-cost business advising, training and market research to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses statewide. Hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University, the state-wide network helps business owners strengthen financial plans, prepare for financing and pursue growth opportunities. Learn more at www.oksbdc.org.

About Gradient
Gradient represents the blending of diverse ideas, people, and perspectives, adding texture and depth to our community. As one of the nation's largest innovation hubs, Gradient fosters meaningful connections, nurtures bold ideas, and provides concierge introductions to entrepreneurial resources. Learn more at www.joingradient.com

SOURCE Baker Hill