WomanUp & Pitch Competition: deadline, amount and who can apply
The WomanUp & Pitch Competition from Michigan Women Forward pays up to $10,000 (first place); $5,000 second, $2,500 third, $1,000 audience choice, $500 for other finalists, to women-owned businesses in Michigan, with annual revenue up to $150,000. It is between rounds now, and dates for the next round are not posted yet. Based on past rounds, it usually opens around August 2027. Only for Michigan for-profit businesses at least 51% woman-owned. You apply with a 2-page concept paper and a $20 fee; ten finalists per competition are chosen. Checked October 5, 2026.
WomanUp & Pitch Competition at a glance
| Amount | Up to $10,000 (first place); $5,000 second, $2,500 third, $1,000 audience choice, $500 for other finalists |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Between rounds; usually opens around August 2027 |
| Who can apply | Businesses that are women-owned |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Official application | Apply on the Michigan Women Forward site ↗ (opens in a new tab) |
| Last verified | October 5, 2026 How we verify |
| Funder | Michigan Women Forward |
An annual business plan and pitch competition for Michigan women entrepreneurs seeking to start or grow a for-profit business. Eligible businesses must be at least 51% woman-owned and based in Michigan. Winners receive cash prizes up to $10,000, plus finalists receive coaching, mentoring, and professional services.
Eligibility
What the Michigan Women Forward page requires, as recorded when we checked it. The funder's own rules are the final word.
- Businesses that are women-owned
- Open to businesses in MI
- For businesses with annual revenue up to $150K
- Only for Michigan for-profit businesses at least 51% woman-owned. You apply with a 2-page concept paper and a $20 fee; ten finalists per competition are chosen.
How to apply
Applications go through Michigan Women Forward directly, on its own site. Read the current rules and deadline there before you start.
Apply on the Michigan Women Forward site ↗ (opens in a new tab)Straight answers
When is the WomanUp & Pitch Competition deadline?
The WomanUp & Pitch Competition is between rounds, and dates for the next round are not posted yet. Based on past rounds, it usually opens around August 2027. We do not have an exact date.
Who can apply for the WomanUp & Pitch Competition?
Businesses that are women-owned. Open to businesses in MI. For businesses with annual revenue up to $150K. Only for Michigan for-profit businesses at least 51% woman-owned. You apply with a 2-page concept paper and a $20 fee; ten finalists per competition are chosen. These are the requirements recorded when we checked the funder's page on October 5, 2026. Michigan Women Forward decides who is selected.
How much is the WomanUp & Pitch Competition?
The WomanUp & Pitch Competition pays up to $10,000 (first place); $5,000 second, $2,500 third, $1,000 audience choice, $500 for other finalists, according to Michigan Women Forward.
How do I apply for the WomanUp & Pitch Competition?
Applications go through Michigan Women Forward on its own site, miwf.org. Application fee: $20.
Is the WomanUp & Pitch Competition legit?
The WomanUp & Pitch Competition is run by Michigan Women Forward. WinAGrant checked the funder's own page for this grant on October 5, 2026. The funder charges a $20 application fee, stated on its own page. WinAGrant is not affiliated with Michigan Women Forward.
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