IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE APPLICATION
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 August and five contests will be held in February & March 2026. Fifty 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 $150,000) and Established/Growth (in business for 3 years or more and/or revenue greater than $150,000). All finalists will receive support services, technical assistance, and $500 to help their business. 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
The top 50 finalists are connected to 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%.
Eligibility
Businesses must be based in Michigan, for-profit, and at least 51% woman-owned.
Finalists who pitched in previous WomanUp & Pitch competitions but did not win prize money are eligible to participate after a one year waiting period.
Businesses in the industries of cannabis, weapons, or adult entertainment are not eligible to participate.
Current employees of Consumers Energy are not eligible to participate.
Important Dates
August 18 - Application Process Opens (2-page concept paper and $20 application fee)
September 19 @ Noon - Application Closes
Week of November 21 - Business plans submitted to MWF for early review.
Week of Dec. 1-5 & Dec. 8-12 - Virtual Pitch Preparation Workshops (mandatory for all finalists)
February 3 - Southeast Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
February 10 - West Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
February 17 - Mid-Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
February 24 - Bay City Virtual Pitch Competition
March 3 - Statewide Food Competition (In Person)**
**Competition will be in person in the Southeast Michigan area. If selected, finalists agree to attend in person and provide approximately 80 food samples for attendees. Businesses competing in this competition must be licensed for food service or operate under Michigan Cottage Food law. A travel stipend will be provided.
For questions regarding the application process or competition, please contact gsilver@miwf.org or call 415-999-7548.
2026 WomanUp and Pitch Competition
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE APPLICATION
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 August and five contests will be held in February & March 2026. Fifty 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 $150,000) and Established/Growth (in business for 3 years or more and/or revenue greater than $150,000). All finalists will receive support services, technical assistance, and $500 to help their business. 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
The top 50 finalists are connected to 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%.
Eligibility
Businesses must be based in Michigan, for-profit, and at least 51% woman-owned.
Finalists who pitched in previous WomanUp & Pitch competitions but did not win prize money are eligible to participate after a one year waiting period.
Businesses in the industries of cannabis, weapons, or adult entertainment are not eligible to participate.
Current employees of Consumers Energy are not eligible to participate.
Important Dates
August 18 - Application Process Opens (2-page concept paper and $20 application fee)
September 19 @ Noon - Application Closes
Week of November 21 - Business plans submitted to MWF for early review.
Week of Dec. 1-5 & Dec. 8-12 - Virtual Pitch Preparation Workshops (mandatory for all finalists)
February 3 - Southeast Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
February 10 - West Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
February 17 - Mid-Michigan Virtual Pitch Competition
February 24 - Bay City Virtual Pitch Competition
March 3 - Statewide Food Competition (In Person)**
**Competition will be in person in the Southeast Michigan area. If selected, finalists agree to attend in person and provide approximately 80 food samples for attendees. Businesses competing in this competition must be licensed for food service or operate under Michigan Cottage Food law. A travel stipend will be provided.
For questions regarding the application process or competition, please contact gsilver@miwf.org or call 415-999-7548.