This is the application for the WBCS Regional Qualifier for WBENCPitch! 

Background
The Women's Business Council - Southwest is proud to be a partner in the WBENCPitch Impact 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 $20,000 grand prize for a product-based WBE and a $20,000 grand prize for a service-based WBE.

Deadline
We're accepting applications for our Regional Qualifier through Sunday, August 23 at 11:59pm CST.

Format
To be considered for the Regional Qualifier, you will need to submit a video pitch that is 1 minute or less in length, uses storytelling techniques to clearly describe who you are and what your business does in a way that addresses the below criteria and leaves a lasting impact, features the female owner(s) of the company, and is filmed on a phone, via Zoom, etc.. Professional videography and a/v is not required and will not impact your score.

Timeline
All applicants will be notified of their status by end of day Wednesday, September 9. The top 10 get the chance to pitch live, virtually to the public on September 16 at 2:00pm via Zoom. The top four (two product-based businesses and two service-based businesses) will be announced at the end of the session and advance to the national semi-finals.

The top four pitches from the WBCS Regional Qualifier will advance. The other two rounds are:

• National Semi-Finals: November 2 and 3 | Top 4 Pitches from each RPO | Virtual Format Live on Zoom
• National Finals: November 16 | Virtual Live Format at the WBENC Invitation-Only November Event

Additional FAQs

1. How do I apply?

Share your info below.

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 company.

3. When is the deadline for the application?

The deadline is Sunday, August 23, 11:59 pm CST.

4. Where/When is the competition?

• The Regional Qualifier, hosted by WBCS, is done via online submission through Sunday, August 23. Pitches are 1 minute in length and should focus on sharing the company's story in an impactful way.
• The Semi-Finals, hosted by WBENC, will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3, time TBD. Pitches are 90 minutes in length and should focus on sharing the metric-driven or mission-driven impact their business creates.
• The Finals, hosted by WBENC, will be held virtually on November 16, date TBD. Pitches are 2 minutes in length and illustrates meaningful and measurable examples of how their company has created and continues to create powerful and lasting impact within a one of the following categories: sustainability, job growth, revenue growth, market expansion, community/ social impact, product growth, mission focused, service growth, infrastructure investment, and technology investment.
  
  
  

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 Wednesday, September 9.

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 - $20,000
• 2nd place in either category - Complimentary registration for the 2027 WBENC National Conference

9. What are the criteria of selection for the Regional Qualifier?

Each submission is scored from 1 - 7 in each of these areas:

• Did the pitch open with a thoughtful and unique introduction that grabbed attention and have a powerful closing?
• Did the pitch feature a clear business description including a problem/solution?
• Did the pitch explain the company value and competitive advantage?
• Was the overall presentation powerful, captivating, and professional?
• Did the pitch make a memorable impact and leave you wanting more information?

10. How can I best prepare?

• Incorporate the above criteria into your pitch.
• Attend a virtual WBENCPitch Academy Session. All are held from 11:00 - 1:00 CST. Register here.
• July 16 - Define Your Story
• July 30 - Get in the Hot Seat
• August 13 - Define Your Impact
• September 11 - Get in the Hot Seat

Questions?
Contact WBCS Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Garner, at egarner@wbcsouthwest.org.