BBVA Compass, through its Bright Futures initiative, has partnered with the Houston Dynamo to launch “The Pitch.”

The Pitch is a contest in which small businesses and start-ups (defined as 100 full or part-time employees or less in the Greater Houston area) compete for the opportunity to win $10,000, a consultation with a member of the Houston Dynamo ownership group, a consultation with a BBVA Compass executive and 2017 Houston Dynamo Season tickets, among other prizes.

“Giving small business owners and startups the capital and the opportunity to learn about achieving entrepreneurial success is part of who we are as a principled bank,” said BBVA Compass Houston CEO Mark Montgomery. “Our mission is to provide a bright future to our communities. Small businesses and entrepreneurship are essential parts of those communities.”

Business owners are encouraged to submit a short description about their company along with their business plan describing why they think their company has a Bright Future in their industry. Each submission will be reviewed by BBVA Compass executives, Dynamo executives, as well as a representative from the East End Chamber of Commerce and SCORE to determine the top four entries. The winners’ submissions will be featured online and be voted on by Dynamo fans to determine the winner.

“This program is a fantastic opportunity for our organization and our partners at BBVA Compass to brighten the future of the Houston business community,” said Houston Dynamo President Chris Canetti. “Houston is such an entrepreneurial city, where someone with a great idea and a work ethic can really make their mark, and it’s exciting to help someone get a jump start in building their business.”

The Pitch launches today, and the top four entries will be announced on Friday, October 7, with the overall winner being selected by a fan vote. The winner will be featured at the Dynamo vs LA Galaxy match on Saturday, October 16.

For more information or to submit an entry visit www.houstondynamo.com/bbvacompasspitch.