Woman-owned businesses in Michigan encouraged to apply for $10,000 prize

WEST MICHIGAN — A statewide nonprofit organization is now accepting applications for its business plan and pitch competition, WomanUp and Pitch.

The competition is sponsored by Consumers Energy Foundation, and provides a funding opportunity for women who are looking to start or grow an existing business.

There will be four virtual pitch competitions in March 2022. West Michigan applicants will pitch their business plans Thursday, March 3, with a statewide food business pitch competition Thursday, March 31.

Applicants will share their pitch with an audience comprised of business experts, fellow entrepreneurs, small business owners, potential investors and community leaders. It will be critical for pitches to appeal to both the judges and the audience, as the audience in each location will vote for their favorite pitch.

“WomanUp and Pitch is an amazing opportunity for budding female entrepreneurs to develop their presentation skills, think strategically to create a strong business plan and make connections with their peers and business leaders,” said Carolyn Cassin, president and CEO of Michigan Women Forward.

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“We’re proud to play a role in providing women with these vital experiences to help them build successful businesses that will ultimately enhance their communities.” 

Interested businesses must apply online at miwf.org/wei/womanup-programs by Wednesday, Nov. 10. Forty applicants will be selected as finalists and divided into startups and established businesses.

The finalists will be connected to advisors, coaches and mentors who will assist in the process of creating a viable business plan and preparing their pitch. Business plans will account for 60 percent of a business’ final score, while the pitch will account for 40 percent.

After pitches, the first place winner will receive $10,000. Second place will receive $5,000 and third place will receive $2,500. An audience choice of $1,000 will be awarded to the entrepreneur with the most audience votes in each location.