WomanUp & Pitch
Business Plan and Pitch Competition
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 2024. Forty total finalists will be selected, ten in each location, divided into two categories: Idea phase/Startup (in business 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:
- 1st Place — $10,000
- 2nd Place — $5,000
- 3rd Place — $2,500
- Audience Choice — $1,000 (one winner per location)
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.
2023 Competition Dates
The 2023 competitions have passed, please stay tuned for 2024 competition information!
- March 2 – West Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
- March 9 – Mid-Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
- March 23 – Southeast Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
- March 30 – Statewide Food Competition – This competition is in person at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. Tickets to attend are $10 and include samples from the finalists.

2023 West Michigan Winners
STARTUP CATEGORY
- First Place: Nature Therapy of Michiana
- Second Place: Cognificent Kids
- Third Place: Gracewood Candles
ESTABLISHED CATEGORY
- First Place: Beville Counseling
- Second Place: NorthPointe Gymnastics
- Third Place: GrandMinds
AUDIENCE CHOICE
- Beville Counseling
2023 Mid-Michigan Winners
STARTUP CATEGORY
- First Place: TRU Heart Photo
- Second Place: Zero Bar & Lounge
- Third Place: Knowing Your Home
ESTABLISHED CATEGORY
- First Place: Karma Wellness Kitchen
- Second Place: ASTOURI
- Third Place: Music with Calebria
AUDIENCE CHOICE
- TRU Heart Photo

2023 Southeast Michigan Winners
STARTUP CATEGORY
- First Place: Naturally Illustrated
- Second Place: empoweredbumpsandboobs
- Third Place: Rove Soapsheets
ESTABLISHED CATEGORY
- First Place: No Fear Cafe
- Second Place: Tried & True Financial Services
- Third Place: Bed and BARK-fest
AUDIENCE CHOICE
2023 Statewide Food Competition Winners
STARTUP CATEGORY
- First Place: Veganly Essential
- Second Place: Hello Granola
- Third Place: Krystal Palace Catering
ESTABLISHED CATEGORY
- First Place: Nakee Butter
- Second Place: Hummus Goodness
- Third Place: Equinox Pastries & Pops LLC
AUDIENCE CHOICE
- Hello Granola
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