Turn Your Creative Vision into Reality! Enter the IYTC Creativity & Innovation Challenge! Are you an entrepreneur, artist, or creative professional with a groundbreaking business idea that could transform the creative economy? Do you have a game-changing product, tool, or service that could empower creatives and entrepreneurs to thrive? If so, this is your time to shine!
The IYTC Creativity & Innovation Challenge, launched by It’s Your Time Business & Music Conference Founder, Benny Pough, is your opportunity to showcase your innovation, connect with industry leaders, and compete for a $10,000 grand prize. This pitch competition is designed to highlight and support entrepreneurs and startups that are driving change in the creative space.
Why Enter the Challenge?
Making a living as a creative is more accessible than ever, thanks to digital platforms and the internet. Whether you’re a musician, artist, marketer, designer, or entrepreneur, you now have the tools to take ownership of your career and build a sustainable business. The It’s Your Time Business & Music Conference is committed to equipping creatives with the resources, knowledge, and connections to thrive.
This year, under the theme “Making a Difference,” we’re looking for new business ideas that can:
✔ Drive economic growth in the creative sector
✔ Empower artists and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions
✔ Create tools and resources that elevate creative businesses
Who Should Apply?
The IYTC Creativity & Innovation Challenge is open to early-stage businesses in the U.S. and Canada that meet the following criteria:
✅ Founded in the last five years
✅ Have earned less than $100,000 in gross revenue in the last year
✅ Have a clear, results-focused mission
✅ Are accessible, equitable, and universal
✅ Maintain high-quality standards in their industry
✅ Operate with transparency and ethical business practices
We are seeking visionary entrepreneurs from the following sectors:
🎨 Creative Industries – Graphic design, web/app development, software development, fashion, beauty, videography
🎭 Artists – Musicians, filmmakers, visual artists, influencers
🚀 Entrepreneurs – Service-based and product-based startups
🎶 Music Industry Professionals – Managers, promoters, venue owners, nightlife professionals
The Challenge Question
How can artists, and entrepreneurs at any stage of their careers leverage your new technology, product, or service to impact the way they do business and maintain a more equitable stake in their career and economic future?
What We’re Looking For
Concepts should offer a solution in the form of tools, applications, resources, and/or services that help emerging creatives and entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Solutions may focus on a brand new single tool, resource, or service, or suggest a suite of tools. In addition, solutions may build off of existing technologies or an enhanced version(s). Plans may leverage ideas from industries other than credit cards and finance. Strategic online and technical partnerships are allowed. The primary focus of the plan should go beyond social networking and collective purchasing power.
Concept Criteria
- Concepts Originality
- Value Proposition
- Unique Competitive Advantage
- Bottom Line Results
- Feasibility
- Team Presentation
What’s at Stake?
🏆 Grand Prize: $10,000 to help bring your vision to life!
Are You Ready?
We are actively seeking the next wave of creative entrepreneurs and founders who are redefining the future of the creative economy. If you have a bold idea that can transform the industry, this is your moment.
🚀 Apply today and take your innovation to the next level!