Back by Popular Demand and some potential technical issues, the VWEC 2021 Pitch Platform has re-open until Monday, September 20, 2021, 11:59PM CST.
Nationwide, entrepreneur women associated with the military inclusive of veterans, active duty, reservist, and military spouses can apply for the 2021 Pitch Platform with a focus on hard-hit businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, event facilities and other related industries. This opportunity is specifically designed for you! We know many facilities; including our own, have experienced closures due to COVID 19; therefore, this year’s Pitch Platform is a part of our 4BusinessRecovery Campaign working to support entrepreneur women associated with the military to revive their businesses and thrive.
The application is extensive but so is the investment, with $40k in pitch investments beginning with $20k-1 Place; $10k-2nd Place; $5k-3rd Place, and a recently added $3k Audience Choice as well as $2k in additional contestant prizes. This is your opportunity to get in the game and claim your fame as a business that will not be defeated!
If you experience any technical issues, please email info@veteranwomensec.org for support.
QUALIFICATIONS:
In business as of 6/30/2019
Primary Platform focus areas retail stores, restaurants, and/or raves(event facilities);
Secondary Platform focus areas online retail, food, condiments, beverages, and/or event services/products providers;
Entrepreneur Women Associated with the Military (EWAM) inclusive of veterans, active duty, reservists and female military spouses
Mandatory 3 Minute Fast Pitch – Tuesday, 9/21, 6:30PM-8:30PM — sessions are limited and you cannot schedule your Fast Pitch until you submit a complete application. Note, if it is later determined that you application is missing information you may be disqualified from the competition.
3 Minutes per FP virtual pitch with 2 minutes for questions from Judges;
FP Focus – How will you use these funds to grow your business?
→ Important points a) What have you already done to grow your business?
b) How will this investment help you do more to grow your business?
Attend 80% of the PITCH PREP sessions, which will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Provide a Site Visit where appropriate and/or a Business Video
Pitch on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, and participate in Live Conference Interviews
Funds Usage:
Unapproved funds usage include personal salary, bonuses, cash incentives or other business giveaways;
Approved funds usage include, but are not limited to: hiring new staff, upgrades/new equipment, strategic marketing/advertising campaign, CRM Strategies, new/upgrades to technology, financial software, other strategies that can be proven to promote business growth and/or expansion.
Winners must agreed to participate in a Customized Coaching series to develop a plan for the most effective use of their winnings.
Agreed to funds distributed in segments with approved budget purchase receipts or invoices
