MCWEN | Purpose Pitch Grant For Women Entrepreneurs

2025 PURPOSE PITCH TOUR

THE PITCH COMPETITION FOR PURPOSE-DRIVEN ENTREPRENEURS

In honor of Black Philanthropy Month, we’re excited to bring back the Purpose Pitch Tour—an empowering showcase for purpose-driven visionaries and Founders. This year, the competition will take place exclusively at the 2025 Embracing YOU Conference in Baltimore, MD on August 17, 2025.

Participants will present their ventures live before a panel of judges and conference attendees for a chance to win one of two microgrants:

1st Place – $1,000 microgrant, business coaching, and a prize package featuring gift cards from local partners and sponsors
2nd Place – $500 microgrant, business coaching, and a prize package featuring gift cards from local partners and sponsors

Applicants will be evaluated on innovation, sustainability, and potential for growth. We’re especially seeking women of color-led startups or early-stage ventures making bold impact.

Eligibility & Guidelines

Open to both members and non-members of MCWEN
Applicants must be legally registered businesses (proof required)
MCWEN staff and Local Coordinators (current and former) are ineligible
Only one representative may pitch per organization
Applicants must be registered attendees of the 2025 Embracing YOU Conference
The application fee is $30 (non-refundable)
Applications due: August 1, 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered

Join us for a chance to gain funding, exposure, and the support you need to grow with purpose.

2025 PURPOSE PITCH APPLICATION

First name

Last name

Phone

Today's Date required

Please tell us about yourself. What makes you a purpose-driven entrepreneur?

What inspired you to start your organization or project?

Who is your target market, and how does your organization or project impact others?

Where do you see your organization in the short-term (2-5 years)?

The winner of The Purpose Pitch Tour will win a microgrant and a one-year membership to MCWEN. What would you do with the prizes if you won the competition?

How did you hear about The Purpose Pitch Tour?

Organization name, website and social media handles

If you will be using a PowerPoint during your 5-minute pitch, please upload. We recommend including: the pain points (a problem, real or perceived) your organization solves, your competitive advantages, any areas of challenges and plans for financial viability for the next two (2) years. Please note that pitch decks not submitted with the application will not be permitted for use during presentation.

Pitch Deck

Upload File

If you will be using a PowerPoint during your 5-minute pitch, please uploadd. We recommend including: the pain points (a problem, real or perceived) your organization solves, your competitive advantages, any areas of challenges and plans for financial viability for the next two (2) years. Please note that pitch decks not submitted with the application will not be permitted for use during presentation.

I understand that MCWEN is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all of our attendees and pitch participants, no matter where they are in their spiritual walk or business development. As such, as a Purpose Pitch participant I will refrain from making negative or derogatory statements of any nature. I also understand that there is a zero tolerance policy for violating the terms and conditions, and that this is a faith-based organization focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. Offensive, vulgar and discriminatory content may result in automatic disqualification.

Photo Release Statement: I understand and agree that my image and/or audio may be used for future promotional purposes by MCWEN.

I understand that the application fee is nonrefundable, even in the event that I am unable to attend or participate in the Pitch Competition for any reason. I also understand that I must be in attendance to participate. To register for the conference, please purchase a General Admission ticket.

I understand that I must be in attendance at the 2025 Embracing YOU Conference to particpate in the Pitch Competition.

Thanks for submitting an application! Someone will be in touch with you shortly for follow-up information

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