The annual Pitch for the Purse contest is back, with another $25,000 cash prize for the top finalist, plus mentorship for many participants.

The contest, which is run by Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), opened to applications on September 23, 2017 and will close on October 23, 2017.

The contest is open to legal residents of Canada outside of Quebec over the age of 16 who self-identify as a woman entrepreneur and own at least 50% of a business operating in Canada. You must also be able to attend the semi-final and final events in Vancouver, BC if selected and cannot have been a finalist in any previous Pitch for the Purse contest.

That's an important point, because travel costs to Vancouver for the semi-finalists and finalists are not covered.

Making your initial pitch is simple. You fill out a short application form and submit a 30 second entry video of yourself with an elevator pitch.

Questions cover different aspects of your business and include the size of the company, whether it is profitable, past investments you have tried to raise, your vision for the next stage of your company and how you would use the $25,000 if selected as the top finalist.

How will the contest be judged?

The Pitch for the Purse contest rules note that FWE staff will judge all video entries to select 10 semi-finalists, who will then deliver an in-person pitch at the semi-final event on November 30, 2017. 
The judges will take into consideration the presentations, vision and plan for growth, business valuation something FWE describes as the "X" Factor.

From there three finalists will be selected to compete in the FWE Odlum Brown Gala Finals where one lucky business owner will walk away with the $25,000 cash prize.

If that sound like a good opportunity for your business, you have until October 23rd to apply.

Find more programs and resources for women busines owners at SheSource.com.

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