WomanUp & Pitch
Want to make your business dream a reality? Start here! Michigan Women Forward’s WomanUp & Pitch Business Plan and Pitch Competition, sponsored by Consumers Energy Foundation, is a funding opportunity for Michigan women who want to start or grow an existing for-profit business.
How It Works
Each year, we host four competitions: Southeast Michigan, West Michigan, Mid-Michigan and a Statewide Food Competition.
Ten female entrepreneurs are selected to compete in each of the four WomanUp & Pitch competitions. Five entrepreneurs compete in the Startup Business category (in business fewer than 3 years and revenue less than $150,000) and five entrepreneurs compete in the Established Business category (in business for 3 years or more and/or revenue greater than $150,000). To be eligible, businesses must be:
- For-profit
- Based in Michigan
- At least 51% women-owned
- Have not pitched in a previous MWF WomanUp & Pitch competitions
- In a qualified industry, not a cannabis or adult entertainment-themed business
Finalists are connected to coaches who provide expert advice as the women create viable business plans and prepare their pitch.
Finalists in the Statewide Food Competition pre-record their pitches and prepare samples of their food they serve at an in-person event attended by guests, food industry leaders/investors and our panel of judges.
Finalists of the other three WomanUp & Pitch competitions present their pitches live online before a panel of judges, online viewers, business experts and investors.
Timeline
October: The pitch application opens and finalists are selected to compete
November-February: Finalists work with a coach to prepare for their live pitch
March/April: Pitch competitions are held
Prizes
Winners in both the Startup Business and Established Business categories in each of our four competitions are awarded:
First place: $10,000
Second place: $5,000
Third place: $2,500
The business plans, reviewed in advance of the pitch by each judge, account for 60% of the final score. The pitch accounts for 40% of the final score.
A BIG thank you to our sponsor:
“This pitch competition didn’t just provide funds. It helped me build new skills to further my business. I highly recommend applying for the MWF WomanUp & Pitch Competition!”
Allison Jordan, Better Belly Therapies, 2024 winner
Apply for an MWF microloan!
Previous WomanUp & Pitch Winners
Click on the previous WomanUp & Pitch pages below to see honorees and watch their pitches.