Formerly known as Pitch Slam, Naturally Rising is our premier pitch competition for conscious businesses in the natural products industry. Over the last 5 years, it has evolved into a competition that not only showcases emerging, purpose-driven brands but also celebrates conscious leaders in the natural products industry. This event highlights companies that embrace Naturally Network's quintuple bottom line—the 5 Ps—passion, purpose, people, planet, and prosperity

Naturally Rising places a strong emphasis on supporting brands towards retail success, ensuring that the businesses competing are not only purpose-driven but also prepared for growth and success in the marketplace. From regional competitions to the national stage, culminating in a pitch experience at Newtopia Now—a show known for supporting emerging brands—this competition is designed to help elevate companies that can thrive in today’s conscious economy.

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How does Naturally Rising work?

Each Naturally chapter hosts a Naturally Rising pitch competition, where entrepreneurs present their innovative product companies for the chance to win prizes at a regional Naturally chapter competition and advance as a national Naturally Rising finalist.

The journey culminates at Newtopia Now, where regional champions face off for the prestigious Naturally Rising national title in a thrilling showdown judged by top industry leaders. Newtopia Now is in Denver, Colorado on August 18-20, 2026.

By elevating purpose-driven businesses and increasing access and visibility, Naturally Rising is helping shape the future of conscious consumerism.

Who can apply?

Each chapter has its own deadlines, terms, and conditions. Please check the full terms & conditions for your chapter here.

General eligibility requirements include:

Annual revenue <$2M
Have a retail partner (e.g. brick & mortar, farmers market, online retailer distribution, etc.)
Be an active member (Brand) of a Naturally Network Chapter
Based in the U.S. & meet geographic requirements of your chapter
Able to attend Newtopia Now in Denver, CO on August 18-20, 2026.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines depend on your chapter:

FEBRUARY 6, 2026: Naturally Colorado, Naturally NorCal

FEBRUARY 13, 2026: Naturally San Diego

MARCH 20, 2026: Naturally Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New England, New York, Seattle, Wisconsin

How to apply?

There is ONE centralized application for all chapters and you must choose one chapter to apply to. Be prepared to submit a company one-pager and a 1 minute video as part of the process.

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The Naturally Rising Experience

Apply to Pitch

Naturally Rising applications open November 2025 and any Naturally member brands under $2M are invited to apply. There is one application for ALL regional Naturally Chapters. Check the terms & conditions for your chapter’s application deadline and APPLY HERE.
Regional Finalist Process

Each chapter will select a cohort of finalists to compete at their chapter’s Naturally Rising pitch competition. Finalists will be assigned a mentor to prepare for competition day. What makes this competition different? All applicants will get access to retail readiness resources!
Regional Competition

Each Naturally chapter will host an in-person competition locally where each regional finalist will present their four minute pitch, followed by a four minute Q&A from the judges. A regional winner will be chosen to represent their Naturally chapter at the national competition at Newtopia Now in Denver.
National Competition

The Naturally Rising national pitch competition will feature retail ready, purpose-driven brands on stage as part of Newtopia Now. Each regional winner will receive a complimentary booth as a part of their regional winner package from New Hope Network and exhibit as part of the Naturally Rising finalist pavilion on the show floor.