Applications Open for 2025 WomanUp and Pitch Competition
Nov. 14, 2024 Update: The application deadline has been extended to Friday, Nov. 29.
Michigan Women Forward has opened up applications for its annual WomanUp & Pitch Business Plan and Pitch Competition for women looking to start or grow an existing for-profit business.
In 2025, there will be five competitions: Southeast Michigan, West Michigan, Mid-Michigan, Bay City Region, and a Statewide Food Competition.
How the Competition Works
Each of the five WomanUp & Pitch competitions will feature ten entrepreneurs. Five will compete in the Idea Phase/Startup Business category, which includes businesses operating for less than three years with revenue under $150,000. The other five will participate in the Established/Growth Business category, featuring businesses in operation for three years or more and/or with revenue exceeding $150,000.
Finalists will gain invaluable access to coaches and mentors, who provide professional services and expert guidance to aid contestants in developing robust business plans and crafting compelling pitches.
In the Statewide Food Competition, finalists will pre-record their pitches and prepare food samples for an in-person event attended by guests, food industry leaders, investors, and a panel of judges.
For the other four WomanUp & Pitch competitions, finalists will present their pitches live online before a panel of judges, online viewers, business experts, and investors.
Eligibility
- Businesses must be based in Michigan, for-profit, and at least 51% woman-owned.
- Finalists who participated in a previous WomanUp & Pitch competition but did not win prize money are eligible to participate after a one-year waiting period.
- Businesses in the industries of cannabis, weapons, or adult entertainment are not eligible to participate.
- Current employees of Consumers Energy or Huntington Bank are not eligible to participate.
How to apply
Applications opened on Oct. 17, 2024. Interested applicants should apply by Friday, Nov. 29.
