Enthuse Foundation Returns to N.Y.C. for Fourth Annual Women Founders Pitch Competition

New York, NY – August 16, 2022– The Enthuse Foundation, a non-profit organization benefiting women entrepreneurs, announced that it would host its fourth annual pitch competition to support women making their mark in the food, beverage, and CPG spaces.

For the first time since November 2019, the event will be held in person on Thursday, November 3rd, at the Helen Mills Theater in New York City.

Applications to apply for the Pitch Competition opened on August 15th. Food, beverage, and CPG ventures must be in business for fewer than four years, have at least 51% of the company owned by a woman (women), and no more than $500,000 in revenue. Five applicants will be invited to compete live at the Pitch Competition.

“After two years of hosting our pitch competition virtually, we are excited to return to an in-person event. New York City is known for its moxie, innovation, and creativity all traits we see in our founders, so it makes sense to base our operations here,” said Kim Lawton, CEO of Enthuse Marketing, and Co-Founder of Enthuse Foundation. “We are looking forward to once again hosting the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition in our home city.”

The finalists will compete to win no-strings cash prizes and tailored business services.

As part of its regular programming, the Enthuse Foundation hosts national meetings and webinars to help women grow their businesses, provides monetary donations to support women business owners, and shares original content across numerous digital platforms.

“More than 5.4 million new businesses were started last year, and half of those companies were founded by women,” said Kristy Snyder, Chief People Officer at Enthuse Marketing, an experiential consultancy, and Co-Founder of the Enthuse Foundation. “Our philosophy since day one has been to do our part to help fellow women-owned businesses thrive. Our grant program has already awarded $15,000 to six women entrepreneurs this year. In addition, we are thrilled to offer $35,000 in cash and prizes to some of the finalists of this year’s Pitch Competition.”

Last year’s winner Ashley Nickelsen, founder of B.T.R. NATION said: “To have a pitch competition that’s focused on women and elevating women in a male-dominated space and to focus on food and beverage, this is incredible. I love what the Enthuse Foundation stands for and was so excited to find an organization helping women build their brand into something that’s a legacy brand.”

Special thanks to our sponsors Alliant, a retirement consulting agency, Daigle & Travers, an independent insurance agency, Hamlin, a media production house, SIA Scotch Whisky, an award-winning, woman-founded Scotch Whisky brand; and Webster Bank, a commercial bank.

Also, thank you to our in-kind partners Cheeky Cocktails, Movers and Shakers Podcast, and Une Femme Wines.

The Pitch Competition

Eligible businesses will submit an investor deck. Entrants must have a unique food, beverage, or CPG industry offering and be at least 51% women-owned. Five founders will be chosen from these applicants to pitch their business live to a panel of judges on November 3, 2022, in New York City. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 pm on October 3, 2022. For more information and to apply, please visit: www.enthusefoundation.org

Who: Eligible Women Founders in the Food, Beverage, or CPG Industries

What: The Enthuse Foundation’s 4th Annual Women Founders Pitch Competition

When: Pitch Night – November 3, 2022 (applications accepted through October 3, 2022)

Where: Helen Mills Theater (137-139 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001)

The Prizes

One Grand Prize valued at $20,000 will be awarded and includes $10,000 cash and $10,000 worth of business services. The second prize is valued at $15,000 and includes $5,000 cash and $10,000 in business services.

About the Enthuse Foundation

The Enthuse Foundation invests in a new generation of women founders and cultivates the next generation of business leaders. It is a non-profit organization serving women entrepreneurs through community building, education, resources, inspiration, mentorship, grants, and events. Learn more.