BLK Women in Excellence (BWIE) Pitch Competition

Press Release

June 06, 2022

Press contact:

Tia Upshaw, CEO

BLK Women in Excellence

902-402-9158

blkwomeninexcellence@gmail.com

 Call for Black Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Candidates

Halifax, Nova Scotia (June 06, 2022) – BLK Women in Excellence (BWIE)  is about to shine a light on Black women entrepreneurs. Join us on September 10th, 2022, for the very first Pitch Competition to support Black women entrepreneurs, 18 years of age and older, who have been in business 5 years or less.  This competition is going to help to break down walls, provide monetary prizes and in-kind support to marginalized entrepreneurs.

This pitch competition will not only include women-only entrepreneurs, but it will include a panel of women judges: highlighting female representation in entrepreneurship. Ms. Upshaw has created this competition, to ensure equitable access to funding for her fellow entrepreneurs.

Having sat through many sessions, webinars, and countless “community org” calls about funding for Black business, Ms. Upshaw has taken it upon herself to start knocking on doors and sitting at the tables of those providing the funding. She heard from, and listened to, entrepreneurs about how hard it is to get funding or loans for their businesses and wanted to do something about it.

With the sponsorship of  Pattison Signs, L Searl Virtual Consulting Services, Starbucks, and MacFarland’s Events, she has been able to offer first, and second place cash prizes as well as mentorship, and in-kind support to small businesses and startups.

Applications open June 20th, 2022, and must be submitted by August 1st, 2022. Applications will be found on the BWIE website, www.bwiecanada.com , June 20th at 9 am. BWIE is reaching out to small businesses and start-ups to participate. It is BWIE’s aim to enable growth in women-led businesses.

The event will be streamed for the public, stay tuned for more information on how you can register to be a part of the virtual audience.

The candidates will also have the opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals, pitch coaches, network with other candidates and judges. It will be powerful to see judges that look like them on the panel.

“It’s a beautiful day to be a Black woman”- Tia Upshaw, CEO