WBCFay awards $11,000 in grants at 2024 HERPitch Competition

By Staff Report, posted Mar 11, 2024 on BizFayetteville.com

Alaina Maislin - Photos provided by WBCFay

The Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville (WBCFay) recently recognized the winners of the 2024 HERPitch competition during HERWeek 2024. Four participants have been awarded $2,500 each for their outstanding pitches, with Alaina Maislin earning an additional $1,000 grant for delivering the best pitch among the Ignite Intensive group, thanks to the generous support of the Truist Foundation Grant. In total, $11,000 was awarded.

The HERPitch competition, hosted by WBCFay, has been a culmination of dedication and hard work by aspiring entrepreneurs. Prior to the competition, WBCFay conducted six intensive pitch training workshops to equip business owners with the necessary skills and confidence to present their ideas effectively. Out of 17 submissions received, 12 entries were selected by the review committee to compete in the Pitch Competition. Notably, five of the 12 contestants were women who had participated in the Ignite 8-week Cohort, reflecting the impact of the program in empowering female entrepreneurs.

“We’re immensely proud of all the participants who showcased their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit during the HERPitch competition,” remarked Suzy Hrabovsky, Executive

Director of CEED, in a press release. “While only four were selected as winners today, each contestant demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. Our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs doesn’t end here; we remain dedicated to assisting them in their entrepreneurial journey.”

The event was graced by the presence of Truist Bankers, including Pat Nobles, Market

President, and Sherry Byron, Branch Manager & WBC Advisory Member, who played a pivotal role in empowering women entrepreneurs through the Truist Foundation Grant.

Three out of the four HERPitch winners were graduates of the Ignite Intensive, a testament to the effectiveness of the program in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. The next Ignite Intensive is scheduled to launch on April 18, 2024, with registration still open for limited spaces.

Applicants can enroll here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-get-ready-to-start-or-grow-your-business-in-2024-tickets-809335092047?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

More information on upcoming programs and opportunities for women entrepreneurs can be found on WBC Fay’s website, https://www.wbcfay.org/.

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