Deadline: November 13, 2025
The Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack Textile Entrepreneur Pitch Event 2026 is an exciting opportunity for textile-focused entrepreneurs to showcase their innovation, creativity, and business potential within the U.S. domestic textile industry. Organised by Wells Fargo in partnership with NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and the Flex Factory, this competition aims to empower the next generation of textile innovators with resources, mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders.
About the Opportunity
The Pitch to the Pack initiative provides a unique platform for entrepreneurs developing textile-related innovations to present their ideas before a panel of expert judges. The 2026 edition continues the programme’s tradition of supporting cutting-edge solutions that enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and growth of the textile sector.
Applicants with ideas or businesses focusing on textile technology, sustainable materials, consumer textile products, or any other textile-based innovation are encouraged to apply. Selected finalists will have the chance to pitch their ideas live during the event and gain invaluable insights from industry professionals.
The application deadline for the Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack Textile Entrepreneur Pitch Event 2026 is 13 November 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- The business or concept must be textile-related.
- If the concept relies on university-owned technology, applicants are required to consult with the relevant university’s Office of Research Commercialization prior to submission.
- Finalists must be willing to participate in the Pitch to the Pack video, capturing the process before, during, and after the event.
- All finalists must take part in the preparatory workshops and be available to present their pitches live at the event.
Benefits and Opportunities
Finalists will gain access to exclusive workshops hosted by the Flex Factory at the Wilson College of Textiles, designed to refine their entrepreneurial and pitching skills. These sessions will cover essential topics in product development, manufacturing, and business strategy, preparing participants for a successful pitch presentation.
In addition, finalists will present their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges, offering exposure to key industry stakeholders and potential investors. The event will also feature monetary awards to support prototype development and business expansion, providing a tangible boost to the most promising textile innovations.
Application Requirements
The application process for the Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack Textile Entrepreneur Pitch Event 2026 involves several stages:
- Registration and Workshop Participation – Applicants must first register for the competition and attend the “How to Make a Pitch” session, which equips them with the necessary tools to craft an effective presentation.
- Video Submission – Each applicant must submit a 3-minute pitch video addressing the following key points:
- Introduction and team overview
- The problem or opportunity
- The proposed solution and its innovation
- Target market and market potential
- Go-to-market strategy
- Financials and scalability
- Team execution capability
- Closing statement
High-quality video production, clear audio, and good lighting are strongly encouraged to ensure the pitch stands out during evaluation.
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 November 2025
- Workshops: To be conducted prior to the live pitch event (dates to be announced by organisers)
- Pitch to the Pack Event: 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)
Applicants are advised to plan ahead, as the competition timeline includes both virtual and in-person components.
Selection Process
Submissions will be reviewed based on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and impact on the textile industry. Finalists will be selected to present live before a judging panel consisting of industry experts, investors, and representatives from Wells Fargo and NC State University.
Additional Information
This competition focuses primarily on strengthening the U.S. domestic textile industry, though applicants should verify any regional participation requirements before applying. The organisers encourage participation from entrepreneurs who are passionate about advancing textile manufacturing, sustainability, and technology-driven solutions.
All finalists will benefit from increased exposure, valuable feedback, and the opportunity to connect with influential figures in the textile sector.
How to Apply
Eligible entrepreneurs interested in the Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack Textile Entrepreneur Pitch Event 2026 should prepare their materials early to meet the submission deadline.
👉 Read more about the Programme
For professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us today to ensure your application stands out.
