2024 REverse Pitch

REverse Pitch has a new twist this year! We hope to help established businesses and organizations create lasting partnerships. The aim is to connect one organization’s surplus commodity with another, instead of it going to the landfill. The City of Austin will convene suppliers and potential end users to form partnerships with 2-4 enterprises. Participating partners will receive no-cost, technical coaching to incubate their new partnerships. Between April and May, partners will learn how to work together and set up new supply chains. The goal is to foster partnerships that reduce operating costs, material sent to the landfill, and the need to extract new resources. 

Who can particpate?

Any businesses or nonprofit currently in operation, that is located or has a presence in the city limits of Austin, TX. The organization must also meet at least one of the following partner roles:

  • Supplier: You have an excess, reoccurring commodity generated from your operations that you’re unable to maximize profit from (e.g. a thrift store might have excess clear glass)

  • Procurement: You solicit a certain commodity to [re]sell or you currently use a virgin/new commodity in your operations (e.g. a floral shop might need clear glass vases). This may also include logistics organization to help move material.

Why participate?

Receive coaching and technical assistance to build a new partnership that benefits your organization's bottom line through reuse. Collaborate with like-minded enterprises to advance Austin’s circular economy. Discover how to leverage your partnerships as a marketing opportunity.

  • Supplier: Find a potential partner to help keep the commodity out of the landfill – which could help you save on waste disposal costs. It may also be an opportunity to generate a new revenue stream depending on expectations set with your new supply chain network.

  • Procurement: Find a new source of materials for resell, or perhaps find a cheaper cost/unit to reduce your operating costs.

How does it work?

Selected participants should expect to spend at least 8 hours between February and May developing their new partnerships and associated processes.

  • February - March: Partner recruitment and application period

    The City will simultaneously recruit procurement and supplier partners. Organizations can submit an interest form as both a supplier and procurement partner – though after the kick-off event will only be able to participate in one capacity.

    We encourage applying as soon as possible, so city staff can identify and invite potential partners that might fit your commodity need.

  • March 16 - April 4: Notifications sent regarding potential partner matches

    City staff will match preferences and create partnership groups. Interest form submissions do not guarantee a match.

  • April 16, Noon-2:00 p.m. at Cepeda Branch Library: Kick-off and Foundations Event

    This event will serve the basis for forming new circular supply chains and networks! All invited participants will give a 2-minute pitch about their commodity surplus or need to the entire cohort. After hearing all pitches, each organization will rank their top 3 partner and commodity choice(s). Matched partnerships will have between 2-4 partners, with at least 1 supplier and 1 procurement partner.

  • Mid April thru Mid May: Partnership creation incubator

    Participate in curated content and technical assistance with your partnership group at no-cost.