Event Highlights and Community Impact
Event Showcases Innovation, Community, and the Power of Women Entrepreneurs
NEW YORK / -- The Enthuse Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering a new generation of women entrepreneurs, hosted its 7th Annual Women Founders Pitch Competition recently at The Town Hall by Skylight in the bustling Penn District of New York City. This dynamic event brought together an enthusiastic audience of around 500 attendees, both in-person and virtually, to celebrate women's leadership and innovation within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.
Support Small with Amazon: A Unique Experience
This year's event featured a special addition known as Support Small with Amazon. It included a vibrant pop-up shopping experience showcasing a range of products from women-owned brands that are available on Amazon’s platform. The competition also allowed attendees to sample the incredible offerings of five talented finalists vying for top honors.
A Showcase of Talent and Opportunity
After receiving over 350 applications, five exceptional female founders were selected to pitch their business concepts to a distinguished panel of judges. This year's competition awarded more than $250,000 in cash and in-kind prizes aimed at assisting these budding entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and enhancing their brand presence.
Meet the Winners
The winners of this prestigious competition included:
- Grand Prize: Tatyana Jones, Founder of DEFI Snacks — a brand that masterfully combines rich chocolate flavors with functional, protein-packed ingredients.
- Runner-Up: Kimberle Lau, Founder of Bake Me Healthy — an allergy-friendly baking brand committed to sustainability and using upcycled ingredients.
- Audience Choice Award: Rachel Ransom, Angel Hobbs, and Aliyah Newman, Founders of Krave Cocktail Seltzer — a refreshing ready-to-drink beverage brand that aims to transform the cocktail experience.
The other finalists included BEJOU, a skincare line inspired by botanicals from Latin America, and Pink Salt Kitchens, a brand known for its authentic Thai-inspired sauces that bring genuine flavors to the U.S. market.
A Vision for Impact
Tatyana Jones expressed her excitement upon winning, stating, "There's no better feeling than creating something and having others recognize your vision. Thank you to the Enthuse Foundation, judges, and audience for all the love and to the four other incredible women founders who continue to DEFI the odds." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the event as it celebrated creativity and resilience.
Since its inception, the Enthuse Foundation has proudly invested over $1 million into women-led businesses through pitch competitions, educational programs, and various grants. This solid commitment demonstrates their mission to support women in achieving their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Need for Continued Support
Kim Lawton, Co-Founder of Enthuse Foundation, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. "The needle hasn't moved much for women entrepreneurs. Investment in women-owned businesses has hovered around two percent for years. That's why our work matters. By investing in these founders, we're helping to close the gap and proving that when women receive capital, community, and visibility, they create lasting impact." This critical observation underlines the need for sustained investment and support in women's entrepreneurship.
Appreciation for Community Partners
The Enthuse Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors and partners who have contributed to advancing women's entrepreneurship. This year's event was supported by a range of notable sponsors.
Event Sponsors: Amazon, 1919 Investment Counsel, Alera Group, Alliant, Citrin Cooperman, Morgan Stanley, and Webster Bank, among others.
In-Kind Sponsors: BrandSpoken, EmergeCPG, Hootsuite, Launch Grow Exit, Masthead Strategies, and more.
About the Enthuse Foundation
The Enthuse Foundation is focused on investing in a new generation of women founders by fostering community, providing education, and offering a wealth of resources and mentorship. As a nonprofit organization, it is dedicated to nurturing the next wave of business leaders through its events and programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Enthuse Foundation?
The Enthuse Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in women entrepreneurs through education, community, and resources to help them succeed.
What was the purpose of the pitch competition?
The pitch competition aimed to showcase innovative business ideas from women founders and provide them with funding and support to grow their businesses.
Who won the pitch competition this year?
This year's grand prize was awarded to Tatyana Jones of DEFI Snacks for her innovative brand that combines chocolate with functional ingredients.
How many applicants participated in the competition?
Over 350 entrepreneurs applied to participate in this year's pitch competition, showcasing a diverse range of business ideas.
What are some of the benefits of participating in the Enthuse Foundation's programs?
Participants can receive funding, mentorship, educational resources, and community support that are crucial for their business growth and success.
