When you’re asking someone to sponsor your business or event, you’re not begging. You’re offering value. That mindset changes everything. If you treat it like a handout, you’ll sound like you don’t believe in your own project. But if you treat it like a partnership, you move differently.

For Holy Hoops, I pitched to everyone. Gyms. Local restaurants. Clothing brands. Sometimes they listened, sometimes they didn’t. What mattered was that I had my story, my numbers, and my impact ready to go. You have to make it easy for them to say yes.

Sponsors want to know three things. What is this. Why should I care. What do I get out of it. If you can’t answer those in the first minute, you’re not ready to pitch. Have your audience stats. Have your fundraising goals. Know what kind of exposure they’ll get and be clear about how you’ll deliver.

It doesn’t have to be a fancy deck. Just be prepared and sound like you believe in what you’re building. Speak like it’s already real, not something you’re hoping works out. Show them you’re organized and serious. Even if you’re young, you’ll earn respect fast.

Follow-up is where most people mess up. A lot of sponsors say they’ll think about it and never hear from you again. Be the one who checks in. Be the one who follows through. That’s where the actual money comes from.

Pitching is a skill you only get better at by doing it. You’ll fumble a few. You’ll learn fast. And if your vision is clear, someone will believe in it. All it takes is one.