The Women's Business Council - Southwest is proud to be a partner in the WBENCPitch Accelerate 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 through Thursday, July 31. To be considered for the Regional Qualifier, you will need to submit a video pitch that is 3 minutes or less in length, focuses on sharing your company's story in a creative and compelling way, features the female owner(s) of the company, 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 Thursday, August 7. The top 10 get the chance to pitch live, virtually on August 14 at 2:00pm via Zoom. The top four will be announced at the end of the session and advance to the next round.
To apply, click the Events & Programs tab on this website, locate the July 31st event titled WBENCPitch Regional Qualifier Applications Due, and click the Register Now button.
The top four pitches from the WBCS Regional Qualifier will advance. The other two rounds are:
- National Semi-Finals: October 27 and 28 | Top 4 Pitches from each RPO | Virtual Format Live on Zoom
- National Finals: November TBA | Live Format In-Person at the WBENC Invitation-Only November Event
1. How do I apply?
See above. The video pitch application is live through Thursday, July 31.
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 Thursday, July 31, 11:59 pm CST.
4. Where/When is the competition?
- The Regional Qualifier, hosted by WBCS, via online submission through Thursday, July 31. Pitches are 3 minutes in length and should focus on sharing the company's story in a creative and compelling way.
- The Semi-Finals, hosted by WBENC, will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 27 and Tuesday, October 28, time TBD. Pitches are 2 minutes in length and should focus on communicating the company's impact beyond their solution.
- The Finals, hosted by WBENC, will be held live at the WBENC in-person event in November, date TBD. Pitches are 1 minute in length and should focus on efficiently introducing the company's value and leave a lasting impression.
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 Thursday, August 7.
8. What are the prizes?
There are 2 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 - Complimentary registration for the 2026 WBENC National Conference
9. What are the criteria of selection for the Regional Qualifier?
Each submission is scored from 1 - 7 in each of the four 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?
10. How can I best prepare?
- Incorporate the above criteria into your pitch.
- Attend a virtual WBENCPitch Academy Session. Accelerate Your Story on July 25 from 11:00 - 1:00 CST. Register here.
