pITCH YOUR BUSINESS OR BUSINESS IDEA FOR A CHANCE TO WIN a prize package valued at over $20k
2024 PropelHER Pitch Competition Winners: Emerging Category Winner, Kelly Edmondson of the Memory Box and Established Category Winner Jessica Krupa of Panty Promise.
The PropelHER Pitch Competition, a signature annual event hosted by NAWBO Orlando, offers an incredible platform for women business owners to showcase their ventures or innovative business concepts. Participants compete for up to $3,000 in cash prizes, along with invaluable services such as legal advice, marketing strategies, HR and administrative support, PR exposure, and more—all designed to propel their businesses to new heights. This dynamic competition invites Florida women entrepreneurs from all industries to step into the spotlight and see if they have what it takes to deliver a winning pitch!
Participants will compete in three categories: Established: in business a minimum of two years with revenue between $100,000 and $500,000; Emerging: Business or business concept must include a product or service that has the ability to scale and grow with the market potential identified; and new this year NextGen (ages 16-25): This category recognizes high school students, college students, and recent graduates with bold ideas and ventures that demonstrate potential for growth and impact.
applications now open!
2023 Established Finalist Juanita Coley from Solid Rock Consulting delivers her pitch live at the Take Flight Business Conference.
Why Enter?
Step into the spotlight and seize an extraordinary opportunity to elevate your business or business concept! By entering the PropelHER Pitch Competition, you'll gain access to transformative experiences that go beyond the pitch:
Sharpen Your Skills: Master critical entrepreneurial abilities like identifying opportunities, crafting impactful marketing plans, managing financials, leading a team, and delivering investor-ready pitches.
Invest in Your Growth: Engage in an enriching webinar series and gain the chance to pitch in front of influential entrepreneurs and potential investors, setting the stage for professional and personal development.
Expand Your Network: Connect with industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow competitors, building relationships that can unlock your business's full potential.
Fuel Your Future: Take your business or concept to the next level by focusing on growth-driven strategies and actionable plans for success.
This competition is your chance to build momentum, gain recognition, and propel your vision forward. Don't miss it!
Finalists that compete LIVE will each receive cash and in-kind services to help propel their business.
2024 Established Category finalist, Patricia Tanner delivers her pitch for Get Real Estateblished
how it works
Contestants must first make sure they meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application and entry fee. Then they will submit pitch materials: a two-minute introduction video, a two-page executive summary, and a preliminary pitch deck (up to 10 slides). These all need to be complete by March 21, 2025.
The competition is open to both NAWBO members and non-members. The application fee for members is $75 and for non-members is $95. The fee includes your ticket to the Take Flight Business Conference on May 15, even if you do not become one of the finalists.
A panel of judges will interview and evaluate the applicants and finalists will be announced April 14, 2024. Each will be invited to participate in a pitch coaching session in preparation for the main event.
Finalists will then refine their 8-minute pitch and PowerPoint presentation for the live competition. Pitches will be delivered at the Take Flight Business Conference on May 15, 2025 in front of an audience and panel of judges. Winners will be announced at the end of the event.
I’VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE, WHERE DO I START?
We’ve got your back! Start by attending our series of four informational webinars open to all women-owned businesses. Webinars will cover a variety of topics to help you prepare your pitch for submission.
WEBINAR TOPICS AND SCHEDULE
A series of FREE informative webinars will start in February 2025. Specific dates TBD.
ABOUT THE TAKE FLIGHT BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Get ready to soar at the Take Flight Business Conference—a dynamic, full-day experience designed to ignite your entrepreneurial success! This event is packed with inspiration and actionable insights to help you take your business to new heights.
Be Inspired: Kick off the day with an empowering keynote address from a trailblazing speaker who will share her remarkable journey and invaluable lessons.
Learn and Lead: Dive into engaging sessions covering leadership, business development, wellness, and more—all tailored to fuel your growth as a woman business owner.
Feel the Excitement: Witness the thrilling culmination as finalists take the stage for the PropelHER Pitch Competition, competing live for cash prizes and invaluable services that can transform their businesses.
With expert panel discussions, insider tips from industry leaders, and a room filled with ambitious, like-minded women entrepreneurs, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Reserve your spot now and get ready to Take Flight!
Access to Capital panel at the 2023 event.
Teresa Rand talks about how life is full of “shift” at the 2024 conference
“The competition is so exciting, watching the contestants pitch LIVE on stage. It’s definitely the highlight of the conference.
The prize package includes lots of in-kind resources in addition to cash. Things like legal advice, accounting help, and marketing consultation are often the catalyst for future growth. Our pitch winners go on to do impressive things! Many use this competition as a jumping off point for bigger pitch competitions. ”
become a 2025 EVENT SPONSOR
For sponsor partners, the PropelHER event offers a great opportunity to get your business in front of local women business owners. If you are interested in sponsorship packages, email us at programs@nawboorlando.org or check out our sponsorship packages by clicking the image below.
