[Orlando, FL] - The NAWBO Orlando Take Flight Women’s Business Conference, powered by Full Sail University and Duke Energy concluded with a dazzling display of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, where The Memory Box and Panty Promise emerged as the winners of the 2024 PropelHERÒ Pitch Competition. The essence of the event was perfectly encapsulated in the moment the winners were announced at Full Sail University’s LIVE venue (complete with smoke and special effects), celebrating the triumph of Memory Box's compassionate grief support and Panty Promise's innovative approach to women's health.
The Memory Box, founded by Kelly Edmondson, offers a yearlong memorial gift service to support those grieving by delivering thoughtfully curated and personalized tokens of remembrance throughout the year. This unique service acknowledges the ongoing nature of grief and aims to provide consistent support, reflecting the departed's life and legacy with each gift. The Memory Box plans to use the winnings to invest in developing a wider range of personalized and meaningful memorial gift options.
Jessica Krupa’s Panty Promise revolutionizes women's health with the first gynecologist-recommended organic intimate apparel. Combining Femtech innovation with style and inclusivity, Panty Promise is set on becoming a household name that women trust for comfort and health. Panty Promise aims to direct its winnings towards accelerating product development and expanding its market presence.
Both winners, celebrating remarkable achievements, took home $25K in cash and in-kind prizes from the competition, affirming their potential to transform their industries and the way we address human experiences so intimately linked to life and wellbeing.
"At Duke Energy, we believe in powering not just homes and businesses, but the innovative spirit of the women leading them. We're proud to illuminate the path for emerging entrepreneurs, watching them shine at events like the PropelHER Pitch Competition," says Tonja Graham, Supplier Diversity Manager, Duke Energy.
The conference was electric with synergy and excitement as attendees gathered to witness powerful keynotes and panel discussions. The keynote address delivered by Angie Ruff captivated the audience with inspiring tales of resilience, while Dr. Haifa Maamar and Teresa Rand illuminated the transformative power of embracing change and the rise of women entrepreneurs in the digital age.
Two pivotal panel discussions, “Getting the Word Out” and “Navigating the Financial Landscape for Growth,” brought together a dynamic range of experts who provided invaluable insights into marketing strategies and financial acumen for business growth. The vibe was more than just electric; it was a testament to the power of community, innovation, and the sheer determination of women entrepreneurs. As the event wrapped up, the sense of unity and empowerment was palpable, with every participant taking away not just insights and connections but a reinforced belief in the impact of women in business. Additional event sponsors included Orlando Health, Bank of America and the Orlando Business Journal.
"Empowering women entrepreneurs to take flight in business is not just an event, it's a movement. The Take Flight Women’s Business Conference Featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition is our commitment to lifting each other up to new heights of success," says Christa Santos, Chapter President of NAWBO Orlando
The second and third place winners were as follows:
Emerging Category:
Emily Warner of Saddle Up Burger Barn, an Orlando-based, women-owned food truck offering locally sourced grass-fed burgers and fresh, quality meals, committed to excellence in flavor, cleanliness, and community engagement.
Leah Stiles of SEA WAVES, a groundbreaking 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing the critical and underrecognized issue of eating disorders within the military community.
Established Category:
Buffy Barrott of Residential Matchmakers streamlines the daunting relocation process for newcomers to Central Florida, offering expert guidance and resources for finding housing and essential services, significantly reducing settlement time.
Patricia Tanner of Get Real Estateblished combines education and play, offering a dynamic real estate board game that cultivates financial knowledge and strategic acumen through property development and investment simulation.
In a new twist this year, NAWBO Orlando presented the Winner’s Circle Update – A Celebration of the Success of Former Winners from the PropelHER Pitch Competition. This is a tapestry of success stories that exemplify the power of belief, the strength of an idea, and the transformative impact of the right support at the right time. From College Thriver Education securing over $130,000 in funding and prestigious program acceptances to Alluvionic achieving a staggering 256.36% revenue increase and expansion across the United States, the journey of these entrepreneurs is nothing short of inspiring. Apolla's leap from dancewear to securing a Shark Tank deal and Crypto Tutors' remarkable $275k award from the National Science Foundation reflect the catalytic effect of the competition. Each story is a testament to the unyielding pursuit of growth and the pivotal role of NAWBO in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit. These narratives are not just success stories—they are beacons for future participants, illuminating the path to what is possible when vision is met with opportunity.
NAWBO Orlando is committed to fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish. This conference is a testament to our dedication to supporting the growth and success of women-led businesses in our community. For more information visit us on the web and social media at www.NAWBOorlando.org.
About NAWBO Orlando:
A 5-Star Award Recipient, NAWBO Orlando’s vision is to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide. Our mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of NAWBO Orlando’s members and promote economic development; create innovative and effective changes in the business culture; build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations; and transform public policy and influence opinion–makers. Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of more than 12 million women-owned businesses in the United States, representing the fastest growing segment of the economy.