Michigan Women Forward to Host Virtual Pitch Competition for Entrepreneurs

Michigan Women Forward (MWF) will host the third installment of its 7th annual WomanUp & Pitch Competition on Thursday, March 24. The event features ten women entrepreneurs from Southeast Michigan presenting their business plans to a panel of business leaders and an audience of community leaders, business owners and potential investors. The event will be broadcast virtually from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Judges for the Southeast Michigan competition include Pierre Batton, vice president and program officer, global philanthropy for Michigan JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Jillian Rosen, vice president for community investment at Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation; and Tosha Tabron, social investment officer at Kresge Foundation.

“WomanUp & Pitch is an opportunity for Michigan women to start or grow their business and impact the local economy,” said Carolyn Cassin, MWF president and CEO. “We are proud to support Michigan women entrepreneurs and their businesses by providing funding, expertise, and chance to further their professional development.”

The established and startup category finalists in Southeast Michigan are:

• India Armstrong of Baby University – a child-friendly co-working space for families in need of flexible childcare arrangements;
• Milan Bidare of Mouvit – a pioneering effort to integrate autonomous mobility services into a single platform;
• Ida Byrd-Hill of Automation Works – a post-secondary tech certification school that provides video game-based training and consulting;
• Porcha Clemons of Heart of Worship Dance Studio – unique performing art classes in ballet, liturgical, hip-hop and dance fitness.
• Christy Howden of Wolverine Pickleball – a pickleball club featuring indoor courts for clinics, tournaments, leagues, and more in Ann Arbor;
• Vickie Lewis of VMX International LLC – a women minority-owned consulting firm specializing in waste minimization programs, recycling, sustainability and other environmental needs;
• LaTashia Perry of Kids Like Mine – enriching and empowering the lives of children through positive affirmations and self-imagery;
• Angeline Rebottaro of UPROAR Detroit – a fresh take on fine jewelry that is revolutionary in both design and social impact;
• Jackie Smythe of INFKNIT Apparel – reversible, sustainable activewear ethically made in Detroit;
• Paula Tutman of Zuke-iT, Maker of Bra-Less Bra – game-changing customizable breast tape specifically designed for women with B-N cups.

Prior to the pitch competition, MWF paired each finalist with a coach and mentor. The coaches have been working with the finalists to develop their comprehensive business plan and practice their pitches.

The competition is divided into established and startup categories. Winners in each category and from each region will earn cash prizes: two $10,000 first prizes per location; two $5,000 second prizes per location; two $2,500 third prizes per location; and an audience choice winner of $1,000 per location.

The WomanUp & Pitch event is made possible by generous sponsorship from the Consumers Energy Foundation. The Foundation has contributed $1.4 million to support MWF since 2015, including $150,000 for this year’s competitions.

“The Consumers Energy Foundation believes Michigan women have the power to reach new heights within their professional careers,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “Our goal is to help entrepreneurs across the state launch and expand their businesses, so this year we are financially rewarding 40 small business owners, with ten of them in southeast Michigan. We are hopeful this competition will help make Michigan’s economy stronger.”

All pitches will be broadcast LIVE on Michigan Women Forward’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The general public is invited to attend the event and vote for the Audience Choice winner. Individuals can register via Eventbrite.

In addition to this event, the statewide food virtual pitch competition will be held on Thursday, March 31. Winners have already been announced for the West Michigan and Mid-Michigan WomenUp & Pitch competitions.

For more information, visit www.miwf.org.

 For more information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.