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.