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WomanUp & Pitch 2026

Our 2026 WomanUp & Pitch finalists are getting ready to win some BIG cash prizes to start or grow their local businesses. Their business plans are submitted. They’ve been working with advisors and coaches to prepare for their pitch. And YOU get to watch it happen! 

Register for free to watch their pitches to our panel of judges, and find out LIVE who wins the $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 cash prizes in the Startup AND Established business categories across our great state. 

Thanks to our sponsors Consumers Energy Foundation, Comerica Bank, and Schoolcraft College we are awarding $185,000 in cash prizes to local businesses to help grow their entrepreneurial dreams, improve their communities, and invest in our state. Find out more about our WomanUp & Pitch competitions, including eligibility requirements.

WomanUp & Pitch Southeast Michigan
Feb. 3, 2026 — 5:30 p.m. (ONLINE)

Startup Business

Caitlin Drzewiecki, Detroit Movie Theater

The Detroit Movie Theater is a startup four-screen arthouse movie theater located in Detroit, featuring a blend of blockbuster, indie, and classic movies, all enjoyed alongside delicious food and drinks. 

Phylicia Ellison, Wearable Emergency Alert Patch (WEAP) by Ellison Innovations

WEAP (Wearable Emergency Alert Patch) is a discreet wearable emergency alert patch paired with an app. The patch silently triggers alerts, shares location, and connects to emergency dispatch without drawing attention. Different press strokes activate different responses, allowing users to customize how they call for attention based on the situation. It is designed to empower users with confidence, safety, and community-specific
support.

Courtney Larvadain, Regeily

Did you know, only 3% of your skin is on your face? Regeily takes the guesswork out of your daily routine by providing structured bodycare solutions for the other 97% of your skin. Regeily was crafted by an esthetician and Army Veteran who has specialized in skin care treatments for over 10 years.

Veronica McGibney, LeadHer Magazine

LeadHer Magazine is a quarterly print and digital publication created for women founders, solopreneurs, and early-stage entrepreneurs who are tired of the highlight reel and ready to tell
the real story of building a business.

Terranie Sims Clarke, The Heart Next Door

The Heart Next Door is a maternal healthtech company providing compassionate digital support to moms and real-time insights to providers, helping families thrive through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

Established Business

Katrina Cross, Katrina Cross Photography

Katrina Cross Photography is a Detroit-based empowerment and portrait photography business that celebrates women and professionals through transformative experiences. My mission is to help women embrace their strength, beauty, and self-worth while providing Detroit creatives with access to professional spaces that support their growth.

Chloe Edmonds, Scott Elizabeth Events

Scott Elizabeth Events is launching Fancy Fridays Detroit, a scalable, sponsorship-driven event series offering accessible luxury and cultural experiences for diverse communities, blending high-value nightlife and philanthropy for young professionals.

Jenny Jeshurun, The Nest Wellness Collective

The Nest Wellness Collective is a multidisciplinary, trauma-informed wellness center revolutionizing perinatal and family care in metro Detroit. Our services include pelvic floor physical therapy, nutrition counseling, mental health therapy, personal training, massage therapy, and community classes and workshops.

Michelle Renaud, Urban Solace

Urban Solace is a community-centered wellness organization dedicated to improving access to evidence-based health education and compassionate mindfulness practices that help individuals and caregivers reduce stress, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves.

Dr. DaNita Weddle, The LuvGluv

The LuvGluv offers a stunning collection of genuine leather gloves designed to celebrate and honor the hands of influential women who shape our lives. These exquisitely crafted gloves feature
interchangeable charms that dangle from delicate eyelets, catering to the distinct personality and interests of every woman.

WomanUp & Pitch West Michigan
Feb. 10, 2026 — 5:30 p.m. (ONLINE)

Startup Business

Dr. Carrie Dennie, Vibrant Wellness

Vibrant Wellness helps individuals on a journey to restore balance, vitality, and whole-body wellness by addressing the root causes of dis-ease with compassion and science-based natural medicine.

Nina Ellen, Raising SWMI

Raising SWMI is a community-centered mobile app designed to help parents in Southwest Michigan feel connected, supported, and informed. Parenting can be overwhelming, and many families miss out on local events, resources, and meaningful connections because information is scattered and plans with young children often change last minute.

Chantel Grant, Mitten Home Infusion: Nurse on Demand

Mitten Home Infusion: Nurse On Demand is a nurse-led infusion company delivering immunoglobulin, biologic, and specialty infusion therapies and medications across Michigan. Provided in-home in our Grand Rapids clinic and within partnered pharmacy suites, our highly-educated and trained, compassionate nurses are continuously mentored to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care wherever it’s needed.

Alexia Price O’Neal, Body Party

Body Party provides personalized curated boxes and individual products specifically designed for women navigating major life
transitions such as divorce, postpartum recovery, grief, and career changes.

Brooke Rosenbaum, Lake Michigan Beach Ice Cream & Eatery

Lake Michigan Beach Ice Cream & Eatery aims to improve our rural community for locals and vacationers alike by providing a fun and friendly place to meet up for delicious food, ice cream, lattes, and even some Michigan-themed shopping in our small gift shop.

Established Business

Rachelle McKissick-Harris, Education Beyond the Classroom

Education Beyond the Classroom equips educators, parents, and community partners with practical, research-aligned tools that improve learning, behavior, and belonging—from the nursery to the boardroom.

Tonja Moyer, Black Queen Bee

Black Queen Bee is a family-owned honey business that produces premium raw, local honey while offering immersive educational bee tours. Founded with just two hives, we now manage 18 hives across 3.3 acres and supply raw honey that is free from additives and hybrid substances often found in commercial honey.

Laura Rampersad, On It Solutions

On It Solutions is advancing pedestrian safety through smart infrastructure, Its flagship product, PEDCan, enhances visibility of vulnerable road users.

Tatiyana Stankovic, Naturally You Aesthetics Medical Spa

Naturally You Aesthetics is a medical spa providing personalized, medically guided aesthetic and wellness treatments focused on natural, beautiful results.

Christina VanDam, Zeal Aerial Fitness

Zeal Aerial Fitness, the first studio of its kind in West Michigan, offers an innovative alternative to traditional fitness through aerial arts, such as pole, silks, hoop, hammock, and bungee. Welcoming to all ages, body types, and experience levels, aerial fitness improves strength, flexibility, posture, and endurance while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

WomanUp & Pitch Mid-Michigan
Feb. 17, 2026 — 5:30 p.m. (ONLINE)

Startup Business

Darla Bishop, Finansis

Finansis provides financial wellness education across the life course, including Piggy Bank Pathways, an early-childhood curriculum helping kids and families become money smart together

Meghan Chipman, Megg’s Coffee

Megg’s Coffee is your neighborhood coffee shop on wheels, rolling to you with thoughtfully-crafted specialty drinks featuring locally-roasted coffee and indulgent sweet treats made in our own community.

Osha Humphrey, Midwifery Care For All

Midwifery Care For All will be a freestanding birthing center in Jackson offering a comprehensive range of maternity care services that will be focused on individualized, family-centered, and evidence-based care. Services will include prenatal visits, childbirth in a home-like setting, immediate postpartum recovery,
lactation services, newborn wellness checks up to 28 days of life, and postpartum visits for mom.

Louise Montag, Montag Forward Solutions

Montag Forward Solutions strategically assesses current business practices to develop tailored, proactive solutions that prevent the escalating costs and disruptions associated with employee substance use disorders and mental health challenges.  

Jillian Whitley, J. Margaret Jewelry

J. Margaret is a premium yet affordable jewelry brand that offers customers high-value, classic pieces aligned with our brand message: “Revitalizing Tradition, Creating Confidence: Your Timeless Style Redefined.” We specialize in creating modern interpretations of classic jewelry styles, maintaining superior quality while fostering an emotional connection with consumers to emulate the feeling of when a family member or friend passes down a special piece.

Established Business

Jennifer Braman, Jeni’s House

Jeni’s House is a cozy, community-focused center where we offer trauma-informed therapy and nurturing experiences that foster emotional well-being, connection, and personal growth.

Heather Delapaz, De La Paz

De La Paz Cleaning provides both residential and commercial
cleaning services, with specialties in detailed floor care, post-construction cleanup, and property turnovers such as Airbnbs and apartments. Our mission is to deliver reliable, high-quality cleaning while creating jobs and opportunities for women and minorities in Ingham County.

Tiffany Neuman, Your Legacy Brand

Your Legacy Brand is a full-service, traditional branding and website agency, now evolved into the first AI-enabled agency of its kind with the launch of Brand OS Pro™, blending timeless strategy and award-winning design with intelligent systems that scale business growth for thought leaders.

Amy Nielander, Create a Character

Local illustrator and designer, Amy Nielander, is expanding her Create a Character brand beyond her current blog to create activity books, digital downloads, parent-child drawing workshops, and licensed content offerings.

Tionna Parker, GoodT’s

GoodTs LLC is a home-based bakery in Kalamazoo, specializing in made-from-scratch, custom desserts for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Known for our signature caramel
cake and personalized service, we create high-quality, handcrafted treats that reflect the personality and vision of each client’s event.

WomanUp & Pitch Bay City
Feb. 24, 2026 — 5:30 p.m. (ONLINE)

Startup Business

Erin Blohm, Blooma

Blooma is the easy, time-saving garden companion that helps busy people grow fresh food with zero guesswork.

Elizabeth Gray, The Gray Outdoors

The Gray Outdoors is a year-round outdoor shop offering quality gear, seasonal rentals, and an interactive learning space that creates an immersive gateway into the adventures of Michigan’s Northwoods

Dieshawn Holmes, Ceed Transitional Living Community

Ceed Transitional Living Community (Ceed TLC) is a social enterprise dedicated to providing safe, supportive, and affordable housing for individuals in transition — particularly older adults (ages 50+), individuals facing housing insecurity, and those reintegrating after hospitalization, rehabilitation, or incarceration. Ceed TLC is designed to bridge the gap between instability and independence, empowering residents to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope.

Melanie Smith, Helping Hands Computer Support

Helping Hands Tech Support (HHTS) offers mobile, in-home, and on-site IT support services specifically tailored for senior citizens and novice technology users. The services include computer, tablet, and smartphone setup, printer and internet troubleshooting, software installation, and personalized digital literacy coaching.

Angela Webb, Sweet Wednesday

Sweet Wednesday is a purpose-driven luggage and travel goods company that creates stylish, durable, and functional luggage designed for modern travelers. Inspired by the love and legacy of my late parents, Troy and Evelyn, our brand stands for “luggage with legacy and love.” Sweet Wednesday is more than a product — it is a movement to create generational wealth, build community pride, and provide meaningful travel solutions.

Established Business

Kayla Aguilar, Lord Laird’s Premium Lemonade

Lord Laird’s Premium Lemonade offers all-natural, health-focused beverages made with freshly squeezed lemons, raw honey, and aloe vera. Unlike conventional lemonades with high-fructose corn syrup, ours delivers a refreshing taste and digestive support.
We serve health-conscious consumers, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals with gut health concerns seeking clean-label alternatives.

Shan Jackson, Healthy Just Feels Right

Healthy Just Feels Right transforms lives by empowering individuals to embrace holistic health and vibrant living through tailored nutritional guidance and proven wellness solutions.

Elizabeth Levy, Essay Help for Colleges

Essay Help for Colleges empowers high school and transfer students through the college application process by setting yourself apart from others. 

Aliz Mendoza, I Love Pig

I Love Pig is a family-owned business offering authentic Latin food in Michigan, based at the Flint Farmers’ Market and operating a food trailer for events. Our main product is Venezuelan arepas filled with chicken, shredded pork, ground beef, or black beans, accompanied by our signature garlic-cilantro sauce, “Mom’s Dressing.” We also offer Cuban sandwiches and Latin bakery products made by women in our community

Marci Taylor, We Bossy Productions

We Bossy Productions provides affordable, diverse voice-over services that help organizations connect through commercial, educational, and corporate media.  

WomanUp & Pitch Statewide Food Competition
March 3, 2026 — 5:30 p.m. (Schoolcraft College, Livonia)

Startup Business

Shardaira Jones, Rev Luxury Juice Bar

Rev Luxury Juice Bar provides fresh, nutrient-rich juices,
smoothies, and plant-based meals that support immunity, mental clarity, and overall wellness. Our customers include health-conscious locals, travelers, and convention-goers seeking
convenient and wholesome nutrition options.

Lisa Knight, SIDEZ

Sidez is a family-run food truck redefining what it means for side dishes to shine as the heart of a meal. We create soulful, imaginative plates that transform traditional “sides” into the stars of the table. Our truck serves diverse communities, with a focus on inclusivity — welcoming everyone to enjoy meals that are bold, comforting, and approachable.

Alicia LaZette, Rebel Pizza and Brews

Rebel Pizza and Brews is a bold, community-focused pizzeria and craft beverage bar soon to open in downtown Monroe. We will be Michigan’s first and only pizza bar primarily employing adults with autism and other disabilities, creating a unique and inclusive workforce. Our menu features artisan pizzas, complemented by a curated beer and wine selection sourced through partnerships with local breweries.

Bola Okpue, Wani Cakes

Wani Cakes produces portion-controlled cake cups that combine indulgence with nutrition. Each cup contains 8 grams of protein, 250 calories or less, and reduced sugar, meeting the rising demand for convenient snacks that are healthier and use clean ingredients.

Yuktha Pulavarthi, macaronza!

Macaronza offers handcrafted, gluten-free macarons made with 100% natural flavors, available as singles, curated boxes, or large event orders. Designed for Gen Z consumers who want to give thoughtful, aesthetic gifts without the hassle of baking or curating something themselves, Macaronza also appeals to families, young professionals, and event planners seeking unique desserts for celebrations

Established Business

Doreen Gardner, Papa’s Brittle

Our 64-year-old family tradition is now our family legacy, crafting premium brittle for millions to enjoy, Papa’s is where love and legacy connects!

Ladonna Girty, The Slush Queen

The Slush Queen is a slush and candy store serving kids and families in the community. 

Keirsten Johnson, Kookies by Keirsten

Kookies By Keirsten is a Detroit-baked custom cookie company that creates edible works of art for all occasions — from corporate events to casual gatherings — because we make ordinary cookies EXTRAordinary.

Myra Thomas, Livy’s Sweet Rolls

Livy’s Sweet Rolls is a Detroit-based gourmet cinnamon roll company known for scratch-made flavors inspired by owner Myra Thomas’ daughter and a mission to create better-for-you, homemade-style treats.

Tinetta Wilson, Netta’s Hibachi

Netta’s Hibachi is a metro Detroit-based catering event company. We combine hibachi-style cooking with authentic soul food to create memorable, high energy interactive dining experiences for families, organizations, and community events.