Michigan Women Forward has let us know,
The WomanUp & Pitch Business Plan and Pitch Competition is a funding opportunity for women who wish to start or grow an existing for-profit business. Entry applications will be accepted starting in October and four contests will be held in March 2023. Forty total finalists will be selected, ten in each location, divided into two categories: Idea phase/Startup (in business for less than 3 years and revenue less than $250,000) and Established/Growth (in business for 3 years or more and/or revenue greater than $250,000). All finalists will receive support services and technical assistance. Winners in each category at each location will be awarded cash prizes as follows:
The top forty finalists are connected to advisors, coaches, and mentors who provide professional services and expert advice as the women create viable business plans and prepare to take the stage to pitch their idea to a panel of business experts and an audience of other entrepreneurs, small business owners, potential investors, and business and community leaders. The business plans, reviewed in advance of the pitch by each judge, account for 60% of the final score; the pitch accounts for 40%. Businesses must be at least 51% women-owned.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Business located in Michigan
- At least 51% woman-owned
- For-profit business
- Finalists who have pitched in previous WomanUp & Pitch competitions cannot apply with the same business
Register and get more info via our website: https://miwf.org/wei/womanup/
Important Dates
October 14 – Application Process Opens (2-page concept paper and $20 application fee)
October 24 – WomanUp & Pitch information session, 4:00PM
October 25 – WomanUp & Pitch information session, Noon
November 9 @ 5:00PM – Application Process Closes
January 10 – 14 – Virtual Pitch Preparation Workshops (mandatory for all finalists)West Michigan & Mid-Michigan FinalistsJanuary 11, 4-6PM & January 12, 4-6:30PMSoutheast Michigan & Food Competition FinalistsJanuary 9, 10:00AM-Noon, January 11, choose one hour between 8:00AM-Noon & January 13, choose one hour between 10:00AM-Noon
March 2 – West Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition*
March 9 – Mid-Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition*
March 22 – Southeast Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition*
March 30 – Statewide Food Competition**
*Competition will be virtual; however, finalists will likely pitch in the region their business is located unless you are a food-based business.
**Competition will be in person in the Detroit area. If selected, finalists agree to attend in person and provide 60-70 food samples for attendees.
For questions regarding the application process or competition, please contact microloan@miwf.org or call 313.771.3514.
