Gearing Up for the 2024 WBENCPitch Final Competition
A platform for entrepreneurs to elevate businesses through significant exposure and cash prizes.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) will be hosting the final round of its national pitch competition, WBENCPitch, in Washington D.C. in November, following first rounds hosted by 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) and a virtual semifinal round in late October. This exclusive program, designed by WBENC, aims to provide Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) with opportunities to participate in pitch competitions and attend educational sessions to perfect their business pitches. Participants gain significant exposure and compete for grants and valuable prizes that can be used to further expand and develop their businesses.
The 2024 WBENCPitch competition consists of three rounds, each focusing on a different aspect of the pitch: the introduction, solution, and value. The competition also has two categories: the product company division and the service company division. The top winner in each category will receive $25,000, while the second-place contestant will receive $15,000. WBENCPitch has grown into a signature program for WBENC, showcasing the immense talent found nationally within its 14 RPOs.
“WBENCPitch and WBENCPitch Academy, the associated professional development program, provide opportunities for WBEs in all industries, both service and products, to demonstrate and enhance their innovation, storytelling, business acumen, and pitch presentation skills,” says Pamela Prince-Eason, WBENC President and CEO. “In 2024, we are continuing to grow our national WBENCPitch competition by challenging our WBEs to show how they are amplifying their impact through their business and leadership.”
Roz Lewis, President and CEO of the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC®) expressed her excitement at the opportunity to showcase the products and services of WBEs on a national stage and stated that the GWBC®, a regional partner organization of WBENC, adds value to its certified WBEs.
“In 2019, GWBC® had two pitch semifinalists including BFive40, who was selected for the final round and pitched before thousands of attendees at the WBENC national conference held in November. Since that time, we have consistently had pitch semifinalists represent our region including InfoMart; Kiss, Kiss Goodnight; and Vertical Activewear in the final rounds. Although representatives from GWBC® were not chosen to win the national competition, they are always a winner in our organization,” says Lewis.
The WBENC network’s RPOs are currently hosting the first round of competitions from which the winners will move into the national semifinals this fall. Maria Balais, the Director of Programs at GWBC®, played a key role in this process. She emphasized the importance of clearly articulating a perceived problem and how the product or service offered is part of the solution when preparing for a pitch as a WBE. According to Balais, attaching a personal anecdote or story about what inspired them to pursue the solution and start the business makes for a more powerful case.
April Kelly, CEO and Founder of Sure, LLC, a company specialized in plant-based infant formula, won the North Carolina regional pitch competition. “While a breastfeeding mom, she endured complications, which inspired her to create a plant-based milk and formula alternative. She also homed in on how this is a prevalent issue among women of color,” says Balais. GWBC® has two more competitions scheduled for this year, one in South Carolina and one in Georgia in September. They aim to send one woman from each of their regions to the National WBENC Pitch.
Last year’s first place WBENCPitch winner, CEO Kimba Williams, won the audience over with her presentation of KUSHAE, a nontoxic feminine care product line. The former pharmaceutical sales consultant turned naturalista, partnered with Dr. Barb, MD; Board Certified OB/GYN to develop effective yet gentle, naturally based feminine care products. They are pH balanced and created by women, for women.
WBENC and the WBENC network support the WBENCPitch competitors in various ways beyond the competition. This includes assistance in seeking WBE collaboration and business opportunities following the competition and at the WBENC National Conference. Additionally, WBENC recognizes all the semifinalists and finalists through WBENC communications channels including WBENC.org, the WBENC newsletter and social media.
“Whether a WBE reaches the finals, wins the competition, capitalizes on the exposure to secure a new business opportunity, and/or hones their pitch presentation for future business meetings, they gain something valuable out of participating in WBENCPitch and in WBENCPitch Academy sessions,” says Prince-Eason.
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