Ten Veteran Entrepreneurs Advance to the Battle of OKC Finals, Where They'll Compete for $10,000

Finalists will pitch live to a panel of judges on Veterans Day eve at The Verge in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 5, 2026 – Baker Hill today announced the ten finalists for the Battle of OKC, a veteran business pitch competition. On November 11, the finalists will pitch their businesses live to a panel of judges for a chance at a $10,000 top prize.

The Battle of OKC is part of Veterans Battle, a series of pitch events in cities across the U.S. that showcase veteran entrepreneurs. Each competitor began with a three-minute video pitch. To qualify, a business had to be majority veteran-owned, in operation for at least one year, and registered in Oklahoma. A panel reviewed every submission and scored the field to select the finalists.

The Battle of OKC Finalists

Battle OKC is modeled on the pace and discipline of active duty. It combines fast-paced pitches with multi-day mentoring and organizing, all compressed into 30 days. Cash awards go to the top three winners, and an audience choice winner will also be recognized. The larger goal is to showcase veteran talent and connect these entrepreneurs with local banks, credit unions and investors.

Veterans Battle OKC is led by Air Force veteran and software entrepreneur Andy Ivankovich, CEO of Baker Hill, working alongside Oklahoma nonprofits, local banks and credit unions. Baker Hill and its CEED program are title sponsors. The Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) supported participant recruitment, and The Verge, Gradient and Oklahoma SBDC provided recruitment and pitch coaching.

Every one of these finalists started with a three-minute video and a big idea. Now they get to put it in front of judges, local banks, and their community. As a veteran who got my own start with a lot of help along the way, there’s nothing I’d rather be part of.”
Andy Ivankovich, Chairman + CEO of Baker Hill and U.S. Air Force veteran

About Baker Hill
Baker Hill is a financial technology company that helps banks and credit unions lend better, lend faster, and lend more.™ Since 1983, we've partnered with financial institutions to modernize how they originate, decision, and manage loans. Our software is configurable rather than cumbersome, and it's backed by a team that includes 25+ former bankers who understand the work firsthand. Today we serve 400+ institutions, including more than 20% of the top 150 U.S. banks, and we decision $7B in lending each month.

About CEED
CEED (Community Entrepreneurship Economic Development) brings financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and community and technical colleges together to create pathways to business growth and economic opportunity. baker hill.com/ceed 

Media Contact
Jason Archer
Chief Marketing Officer, Baker Hill
jason.archer@bakerhill.com 

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