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Minority Women Lead Pitch Competition (7th Annual)

ACE FOUNDATION

Foundation Annual Grants for WomenGrants for Women-Owned BusinessesGrants for Minority-Owned BusinessesSmall Business Grants

Funding Amount

$60,000 (total for five winners; typically $12,000 per winner)

Deadline

June 10, 2026

9 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

7th Annual Minority Women Lead Pitch Competition

Organizers: California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and National ACE

Status: Application period opens May 8, 2024; competition held August 8, 2024

Geographic Scope: National; hosted in Irvine, California

Focus Areas: Minority women entrepreneurs (women of color from diverse backgrounds)

Award Amount: Total of $60,000 distributed to five finalists; individual award amounts vary

Program Overview:
Annual celebration of visionary minority women providing a platform to showcase entrepreneurial talents and achievements. The event has brought together more than 12,000 women in attendance since transitioning to a pitch competition format.

Key Features:

  • Live pitch competition where five finalists receive grant funding

  • Recognition of innovation and resilience of minority women entrepreneurs

  • Celebration of business success and inspiration for next generation of minority women leaders

  • Community recognition and visibility

    • Eligibility:

  • Minority women entrepreneurs

  • Women of color from diverse backgrounds

  • Early-stage to established business owners

  • All industries welcome

    • Previous Winners (Recent Years):

    2023 Winners (5 recipients, $60,000 total):

  • Melissa Muganzo, Founder of Mindy's Kitchen

  • Mackenzie Loy, Owner of The Homemade Marketplace

  • Linda Yoon, Founder of The Yellow Chair Collective

  • Lena Chao, Owner of Clean Circle

  • Lara Vu, Founder of Mila's Keeper

    • 2022 Winners (5 recipients, $60,000 total):

  • Alex Chester-Iwata, Co-Founder and CEO of Mixed Asian Media

  • Lavanya Jawaharlal, President & Co-Founder of STEM Center USA

  • Patricia Garcia, Founder of unithrifts

  • Gina Shi, Founder of Munchrooms

  • Lanie Yeung, Founder & CEO of HydroGummy

    • Contact Information:

  • Website: minoritywomenlead.com

  • Application Link: https://nationalace.submittable.com/submit/295450/2024-minority-women-lead

  • National ACE: www.nationalace.org

  • California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce: calasiancc.org

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    2024 Program Timeline:

  • Application Period: May 8 - June 10, 2024

  • Pitch Competition Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024

  • Location: UCI Beall Applied Innovation @ the Cove, 5270 California Ave, Irvine, CA 92697

    • How to Apply:
    1. Submit application online via Submittable link: https://nationalace.submittable.com/submit/295450/2024-minority-women-lead
    2. Application period: May 8 through June 10, 2024
    3. Must complete all required fields in application form

    Application Requirements:

  • Business description and mission

  • Demonstration of innovative approach or unique value proposition

  • Business stage and growth metrics

  • Community impact or social mission

  • Personal background and entrepreneurial experience

  • Financial projections or business plan details (as applicable)

  • Confirmation of minority woman ownership/leadership

    • Selection Process:
    1. Applications reviewed during application period
    2. Five finalists selected to pitch live at competition event
    3. Live pitches occur on August 8, 2024 at UCI Beall Applied Innovation @ the Cove
    4. Panel judges evaluate pitches
    5. Five winners announced and awarded grants

    Live Pitch Component:

  • Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024

  • Location: UCI Beall Applied Innovation @ the Cove, 5270 California Ave, Irvine, CA 92697

  • Format: Live pitch presentation to judges panel

  • Finalists compete for $60,000 in total grant funding

    • Support Resources:

  • More information available at minoritywomenlead.com

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    womenwomen-owned-businessesminority-businessessmall-businesses

    Categories

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