NAWBO Philadelphia Women's Pitch Competition
She Pitches
Philly
Presented by NAWBO Philadelphia
Closing the gap on women business owners' access to capital.
Do you own a business that's ready to grow? The NAWBO Philadelphia Women's Pitch Competition puts prize money behind early-stage and small growth-stage women-owned businesses across the Greater Philadelphia region. One afternoon. One stage. A real shot at the capital and visibility that can change what's next for your business.
When
October 16, 2026 · 1:00–4:00 PM
Where
Villanova University, Connelly Center
01 — The Opportunity
Why this competition exists
Women entrepreneurs build resilient, innovative businesses, but too often without equal access to the capital that helps those businesses scale. The NAWBO Philadelphia Women's Pitch Competition was created to close that gap.
This competition is designed to
01 Elevate women-owned businesses across the Greater Philadelphia region
02 Provide access to capital and visibility that fuels real growth
03 Showcase scalable, innovative, and sustainable business models
04 Strengthen NAWBO's role as a catalyst for women entrepreneurs
< $500K
Built specifically for early-stage and small growth-stage women-owned businesses generating under $500,000 in annual revenue — the businesses that stand to benefit most from catalytic funding, right when they need it most.
02 — The Prize
Real capital, on the table
Every finalist walks away with capital, visibility, and a room full of investors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who now know their name.
Don't forget to rally your supporters — the Crowd Favorite award is decided live, digitally, so your network can help cheer you across the finish line.
03 — Who Should Apply
Built for women ready to grow
This opportunity is built for women entrepreneurs ready to grow. To apply, your business must meet the following criteria.
If that sounds like you, we want to see what you're building.
04 — How to Apply
Applying is simple
Here's what to expect, from your first submission to the stage at Villanova.
01
01
Pay the application fee
A $25 application fee applies — free for NAWBO members.
03
Get selected as a finalist
A select group of finalists will be invited to verify their eligibility with standard business documentation — good standing, formation documents, ownership records, and financials — and prepare to pitch live.
04
Submit your application
Tell us about your business, your team, your traction, and your vision. Applications include short-answer questions on your business model, your value proposition, and the impact this funding would have on your growth — plus the option to submit a short video to bring your pitch to life.
Pitch live at Villanova University
Finalists take the stage on October 16, 2026, in front of a live audience and a panel of judges — with real capital on the line.
05 — The Event
One afternoon in Villanova
Date
October 16, 2026
Time
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Doors close by 5:00 PM
Location
Villanova University
Connelly Center, Villanova Room
Join us for an afternoon of bold ideas, live pitches, and a reception celebrating the women building the future of the Greater Philadelphia business community. Whether you're pitching, judging, or cheering from the audience, you'll be part of a room built entirely around women's success.
06 — Ready to Pitch
Your business has a story worth telling.
And a future worth funding. Apply today and take your seat at the table.
Questions about eligibility or the application process? Contact NAWBO Philadelphia — we're here to help you put your best pitch forward.