Fifth Annual “PITCH IT” Event
The Assembly Line is proud to announce the return of PITCH IT 2026, the region’s high-stakes entrepreneurial competition, taking place on Thursday, April 30 at 5:00 p.m. at Crossties in Downtown Texarkana. Now in its fifth year, the event continues to serve as the ultimate launchpad for local innovators and small business owners.
For the fifth consecutive year, Red River Credit Union returns as the presenting sponsor, underscoring their commitment to the growth and economic vitality of the Texarkana region. The competition continues its tradition of providing a substantial $17,500 in total seed capital to the winners: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place.
The festivities begin with a social hour at 5:00 PM, featuring a high-energy atmosphere fueled by DJ Dustyn Priest and local favorite food vendors Dre'Licious and Underground Pizza stationed outside Crossties. The event is designed to be a celebration of community and creativity, inviting residents to witness the birth of Texarkana’s next great business ideas.
"PITCH IT has become a cornerstone of our regional identity, proving year after year that the entrepreneurial spirit in Texarkana is not just alive—it is thriving," said Dr. Brandy Eldridge, Director of The Assembly Line. "At The Assembly Line, we view this competition as a vital feeder for our incubator. It provides the initial spark that leads founders into a deeper journey of mentorship and scaling. We are thrilled to celebrate five years of turning 'napkin sketches' into local realities, and we couldn't do it without the incredible support of our partners across both sides of the state line."
"RRCU is pleased to once again be the presenting sponsor of PITCH IT and realize the value it brings to our community," said Brad Bailey, President of Red River Credit Union. "RRCU is also looking forward to working with Dr. Eldridge and the Assembly Line, as it grows and supports small businesses across our region."
PITCH IT 2026 is made possible through a powerful regional collaboration including Texarkana College, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana, T.L.L. Temple Foundation, The City of Texarkana, Texas, The City of Texarkana, Arkansas, and AR-TX REDI.
For additional information contact Dr. Brandy Eldridge, Director, The Assembly Line, at [email protected]. Entrepreneurs interested in pitching their ideas and community members looking to attend can find more information and registration details at www.pitchitexarkana.com.
About the Assembly Line: The Assembly Line is a Texarkana-based business incubator and innovation hub dedicated to supporting early-stage startups and small businesses. By providing mentorship, resources, and community connections, The Assembly Line helps local creators start, scale, and stay in the Texarkana region.
About Texas A&M University-Texarkana: As a member of The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University-Texarkana is a comprehensive regional university that provides students with academically challenging, engaging and rewarding educational experiences through quality teaching, scholarship, student support services, co-curricular programming, research, and service.
