The Women's Business Council - Southwest is proud to be a partner in the WBENCPitch Amplify Competition. This is a national competition that consists of three rounds, beginning with each of the 14 WBENC RPOs across the country and culminating with a $25,000 grand prize for a product-based WBE and a $25,000 grand prize for a service-based WBE. We're accepting applications for our Regional Qualifier from Monday, July 15 - Friday, August 2. To be considered for the Regional Qualifier, you will need to submit a video pitch that is 60 seconds in length, focuses on introducing your company in a creative and compelling way, and is filmed on a phone. Professional videography is not required and will not impact your score. All applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, August 30 and the top four advance to the next round.
Apply here!
The top four pitches from the WBCS Regional Qualifier will advance. The other two rounds are:
- National Semi-Finals: October 28 and 29 | Top 4 Pitches from each RPO | Virtual Format Live on Zoom
- National Finals: November 12 and 13 | Live Format In-Person at the WBENC Invitation-Only November Event
1. How do I apply?
Apply here! The video pitch application is live Monday, July 15 - Friday, August 2.
2. Who can apply?
Any WBE certified through WBCS in good standing with an existing product or service that is in market or ready for market is eligible to apply. The applicant must be a female owner of the WBE company.
3. When is the deadline for the application?
The deadline is Friday, August 2, 11:59 pm CST.
4. Where/When is the competition?
- The Regional Qualifier, hosted by WBCS, via online submission from Monday, July 15 - Friday, August 30. Pitches are 60 seconds in length and should focus on introducing the company in a creative and compelling way.
- The Semi-Finals, hosted by WBENC, will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 29, time TBD. Pitches are 90 seconds in length and should focus on communicating how the business solves a problem.
- The Finals, hosted by WBENC, will be held live at the WBENC in-person event Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13, time TBD. Pitches are two (2) minutes in length and should focus on emphasizing the value proposition and what sets the business apart from the competition.
5. How many rounds is it?
The competition is three rounds. The Regional Qualifier, Semi-Finals, and Finals.
6. How many candidates will be selected?
The top 4 from each Regional Qualifier across the country will advance to the Semi-Finals, and a group of about 24 finalists will be selected to present at the Finals.
7. When will applicants be notified of their selection?
All applicants for the WBCS Regional Qualifier will be notified of their status by close of business on Friday, August 30.
8. What are the prizes?
There are 4 cash prizes up for grabs: 2 for product-based businesses and 2 for service-based businesses
- 1st place in either category - $25,000
- 2nd place in either category - $15,000
9. What are the criteria of selection for the Regional Qualifier?
Each submission is scored from 1 - 7 in each of the five areas:
- Did they open with a wow (thoughtful and unique introduction)?
- Did they grab and hold your attention throughout the pitch?
- Did they clearly describe their business in a compelling, inventive, and impactful way?
- Did they close the presentation in a memorable way and leave you interested in acquiring more information about the company?
- Overall, did they deliver a powerful presentation in a captivating and professional way?
10. How can I best prepare?
- Incorporate the above criteria into your pitch.
- Attend a virtual WBENCPitch Academy Session. Amplify Your Message on July 18 from 12:00 - 2:00 EST and Amplify Your Delivery on July 29 from 12:00 - 2:00 EST. Register for one or both here.
