The Enthuse Foundation Women Founders Pitch Competition 2024 is an annual event designed to support and celebrate women entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods industries. This year marks the sixth iteration of the competition, which culminates in a live pitch night in New York City. The competition aims to provide a platform for women founders to showcase their businesses to a panel of industry experts, with significant prizes awarded to the top finalists. The total prize pool includes a first prize valued at $30,000, a runner-up prize of $23,000, and an audience choice prize of at least $5,500.

The primary purpose of the competition is to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the opportunity to present their business ideas and gain visibility in their respective industries. The competition not only offers financial support but also facilitates networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential investors. The event is designed to highlight the contributions of women in sectors that are often male-dominated, thereby promoting diversity and inclusion within the entrepreneurial landscape.

Funding from the competition is allocated to the top five finalists, who will pitch their businesses live. The first prize winner will receive $30,000, while the runner-up will be awarded $23,000. Additionally, the audience choice winner will receive a minimum of $5,500. Finalists are also expected to participate in an on-site marketplace, where they can showcase and sell their products. A travel stipend will be provided for finalists traveling from out of town, ensuring that all eligible participants can attend the event.

To be eligible for the competition, applicants must meet several criteria. Participants must be at least eighteen years old and must be founders of a food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods business that is at least 51% women-owned. The business must be headquartered and operational within the United States or the District of Columbia. Additionally, the company must have a minimum of $10,000 in lifetime sales, must have been in business for no more than four years, and must not exceed $750,000 in lifetime revenue. Finalists must attend the live pitch event on November 14, 2024, and are required to submit ten product samples by October 31, 2024.

Submission requirements include entering the competition on behalf of the company and not as an individual. Participants must be authorized to represent their business and must disclose any preexisting relationships with judges or financial contributors. Employees of the Enthuse Foundation and associated entities are not eligible to participate. Proof of identification and eligibility may be required, and all participants must agree to abide by the official rules of the competition.

The evaluation of applications will be based on various criteria, including the viability of the business model, the uniqueness of the product, and the potential for growth. The timeline for the competition includes the submission deadline on September 23, 2024, with finalists being notified by October 23, 2024. The live pitch event will take place on November 14, 2024. For more information about the competition and to access the application, interested parties can visit the Enthuse Foundation's official website.