The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is hosting a small business conference and pitch competition to empower women entrepreneurs in Wilmington and is looking for women-owned businesses to compete.

The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is thrilled to announce the upcoming "Level Up! Women’s Small Business Conference and Pitch Competition," proudly presented by YWCA’s Living the Dream Center for Entrepreneurship. Scheduled for May 14, 2024, at Windell Daniels Hall at Cape Fear Community College Union Station, this all-day event aims to inspire and support female entrepreneurs on their journey to success.

The day will commence with our highly anticipated Level Up Small Business Conference, featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers and workshop industry leaders who will share their invaluable insights, experiences, and strategies for success. The Conference will be followed by our Level Up Luncheon and Pitch Competition, Powered by P & G where over $18,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top winners!

We are actively seeking women-owned businesses in the area to compete for the chance to win funding to strengthen their ventures. The YWCA Lower Cape Fear has been granted $18,500 in prize money from YWCA USA and P&G, with first place receiving $7,500, second place $6,000 and third place $5,000 towards their business. Competitors will pitch their company to industry leading judges who will evaluate their business model, market potential, and overall viability, determining the winner based on innovation, scalability, and potential impact within the industry. Applications to enter the pitch competition are now closed.

"Entrepreneurs need 3 things: Community, connections and capital. We are very excited to have the opportunity to highlight these women and infuse some capital into their businesses so they can continue to live out their dreams of being business owners," says New Choices Coordinator, Sonya Peele. With a dedicated focus on uplifting women-led businesses, this competition offers participants exposure, expert feedback, and potential support crucial for their ventures.

The "Level Up! Women’s Small Business Conference and Pitch Competition" aims to serve as a vital platform for networking, education, and empowerment for women entrepreneurs in the Lower Cape Fear region. The conference will cover a diverse range of topics essential for business growth and sustainability, with particular emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities with supply chains and manufacturing needed to advance your business.

"The YWCA proudly supports and celebrates the growth of women-owned small businesses. Participating in this pitch competition can empower women business owners to succeed!,” says YWCA Lower Cape Fear CEO, Velva Jenkins. The event is inclusive and welcomes women of all backgrounds. The Level Up conference will be a transformative and empowering experience, offering valuable insights, networking opportunities, and unwavering support from the YWCA, who is dedicated to supporting the success of women in the Lower Cape Fear region.

Admission tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. Tickets for the Small Business Conference and Pitch competition are priced at $40, which includes lunch. Tickets exclusively for attending the Pitch Competition Luncheon are available for $30. You can purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. For more information about sponsorship levels, please contact Sonya Peele at outreachdir@ywca-lowercapefear.org.