Black Girl Ventures (BGV), an organization dedicated to uplifting Black and brown businesswomen, is accepting applications for its Fall 2022 pitch program.

Through this competition, eligible entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to pitch their businesses — and BGV will even help with the pitching process, which will initially take place virtually.

Once the application period closes, BGV will work to narrow down the list to 7 lucky businesswomen, who will go on to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges.

“Black Girl Ventures is an organization that provides Black and Brown woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital and capacity building. Their signature rent party-styled pitch competitions create a space for Black and Brown woman-identifying entrepreneurs to practice their business pitches and win prizes,” BGV said in a statement.

The judges will then select 3 top finalists. First place will win $10,000, while second and third place will respectively win $6,000 and $2,000.

However, the benefits don’t stop there, as Capital One will notably match the funds — essentially doubling the top 3 finalists’ winnings.

While the main event in this pitch competition will take place in New York City, BGV also hosts similar initiatives in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Austin, Detroit and Miami. The group also recently held “Pull Up & Pitch” events in various cities, including Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

Resultingly, keep an eye out for other events that may be in your area!

Regarding the initiative, past participants can attest to how BGV was a game-changer.

“Participating in multiple BGV Pitch Competitions has strengthened my ability to discuss my brand and effectively convey my vision with others. As a result, I feel more grounded when discussing what we do, who we serve and where we plan to be in the future,” Symone Gates, founder and CEO of Sincerely, Bädé, said.

“I think most importantly, having access to the BGV network has also challenged me to think more critically and strategically on our business model and growth plans,” she continued.

Vernee Hines, co-founder of Upbrainery, also spoke positively of the experience.

“As a 3x BGV Pitch Alumni, I can proudly say BGV has not only championed my business, but also me as a woman and an entrepreneur,” Hines noted. “BGV continues to introduce me to investors and include me in spaces even if I am not present. BGV continues to help me grow as an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder.”

The deadline to apply is July 1, and finalists will be notified on July 18. So, there’s not a moment to spare!

If you’re a Black or Brown woman with a business generating less than $1M in revenue, you can access the application here.

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