Easton manufacturer makes Top 10 in SBA pitch competition

An Easton Manufacturer was one of 10 semifinalists named by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Patriot Pitch Competition.

Gillette Industrial Services specializes in the design, fabrication, repair, and assembly of parts and equipment for the lifecycle sustainment of military customers‘ assets, the federal government, and worldwide commercial and foreign military clients.   

This isn’t the first time the company has been honored by the SBA. In 2024 Dorothea Spencer, the owner and CEO of DGI, was named Pennsylvania‘s Small Business Person of the Year. 

The Patriot Pitch Competition is celebrating 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth for local communities.  

The competition has a $1 million cash prize pool funded by Clover Network, Inc. 

The national competition highlights eligible small businesses whose innovation, leadership, and growth reflect the promise of the American Dream.  

These semifinalists advance to the next stage of judging for the chance to earn a spot in the finals event in Washington, D.C. this September, where five finalists will pitch before a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience. 

“The Patriot Pitch Competition is a celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the entrepreneurs carrying forward that legacy for our next 250 years,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Out of 1,182 small businesses that submitted pitches from every state across the nation, these 10 semifinalists emerged from a highly competitive process by demonstrating the ingenuity and willingness to take risks that drive economic and job growth and define American enterprise at its best. Their outsized impact reflects not only the contribution small businesses make across the country today, but also the role they are playing in driving America’s next era of growth and opportunity. We are excited to see them advance and compete for a place in the live finale in Washington this September.” 

The 10 finalists include: 

• Compotech, Inc. — Brewer, Maine 

• Better Team USA Corporation — Clifton, New Jersey 

• D. Gillette Industrial Services (DGI) — Easton, Pennsylvania 

• Winton Machine — Suwanee, Georgia 

• MSP Aviation Inc. — Bloomington, Indiana 

• Maxivolt, Inc. — Amarillo, Texas 

• Plas-Tech Tooling — Garner, Iowa 

• Red River — Gillette, Wyoming 

• VetPowered LLC — San Diego, California 

• Goodwinds Composites LLC — Mount Vernon, Washington 

Contestants are evaluated on their ability to strengthen American competitiveness, demonstrate strong small business performance and innovation, create economic impact and quality jobs, and show sound business fundamentals and execution readiness.  

The SBA also reviews participants for eligibility, business reputation, legal compliance, and conflicts of interest. At the live competition, finalists will compete for five prizes totaling $1 million: $400,000 for first place, $250,000 for second, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth, and $75,000 for fifth.