BUILD DC Annual Partners
A huge thank you to our annual partners that continue to make impact throughout the year with our students.
BUILDFest Metro DC 2026
A night celebrating a legacy of
BUILDing entrepreneurial leaders
& transforming communities.
Wednesday, May 13
6:00 - 9:00PM EST
Capital One Hall - The Vault
7750 Capital One Tower Road Tysons, VA 22102
Can't attend? Please consider making a gift.
Join us at our year-end celebration on May 13, 2026
BUILDFest, our culminating event of the year, celebrates the accomplishments of student entrepreneurs from across Metro DC. During the course of the evening, you will get a first-hand look at how BUILD’s entrepreneurship program is imbuing youth with the skills they need for success in school, the workforce, and life
Meet BUILD entrepreneurs at the Student Marketplace
At the Student Marketplace, you will have a chance to learn about the companies BUILD students have launched and see a showcase of their products.
Watch BUILD students shine at the Pitch Competition Finals
Share the excitement as the top teams pitch their businesses, Shark Tank-style, before a panel of VIP judges. You’ll have a chance to vote for your favorite team.
Be Part of the BUILD Journey
Meet the Pitch Competition Judges
Dora Gougoufkas
Managing Vice President – Head of International Talent Expansion, Capital One
Kevin Perry
Senior Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Ben Solomon
Founder/CEO,
FedTech
Our Student Marketplace Businesses
Alexandria City High School
CUTESY CANVASES
Visual Art
HEART IN HAYA
Hijabs
KC CREATIONS
Handmade Items/Crafts
SUGA 4 ME
Fashion Jewelry
DARESHIFT, INC.
Digital Apps and Games
SADA’S BEAUTY CREAM
Body Cream for
Sensitive Skin
CANDLELIT CREATIONS
Candles
DITCH THE BRA
Women’s Shapewear
AETERNITY
Fashion Jewlery
CHIC
Fashion Accesories
Theodore Roosevelt High School
HEART OF EAST LA
Clothes and Gifts
PROCRASTINATE
Daily Planner
BRINGING DOWN STRESS
De-stress toys
RAINNET
Clothes and Gifts
GIGI MK LOOKS
Clothes and Gifts
Be an event sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
As the lead sponsor of BUILDFest DC , your company will receive prominent onstage recognition during the evening's program. An executive from your company will announce the winners of the Pitch Competition and present the cash awards.
Pitch Competition Sponsor
Your sponsorship will support one of the three teams that will be competing in the Pitch Competition.
Student Business Sponsor
Your sponsorship will support one of the 20 student businesses that will be selling their products at the Student Marketplace
Bridging Communities Sponsor
Your sponsorship will support our efforts to bring communities together by covering the cost of food, beverage, and transportation to BUILDFest for teachers, students and their families.
BE AN EVENT SPONSOR
Support BUILD students and showcase your commitment to youth entrepreneurship by becoming a BUILDFest sponsor.
Contact Tony Nobles, Director of Donor Engagement, tnobles@build.org
BUILD Metro DC Partner Schools
A huge thank you to our school partners that continue to make impact throughout the year with our students.
