Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition 2025

Grant Overview

$25,000 Grant Program for Women-Led Startups

Donor: Women Founders Network

About: The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition stands as a transformative opportunity for women entrepreneurs, offering substantial funding and comprehensive support to accelerate business growth. This annual competition, now in its 13th year, addresses the stark reality that only 2% of venture capital funding reaches women-founded startups, making it a crucial platform for female entrepreneurs seeking capital and visibility.

The competition features two distinct tracks – Tech/Tech-enabled and Consumer/CPG/Other Non-tech – each offering a substantial $25,000 cash grant to the winner. What sets this program apart is its holistic approach to founder support, combining financial assistance with invaluable mentorship, professional services, and networking opportunities. The competition has already facilitated over $250 million in funding for alumni companies, demonstrating its significant impact on the female entrepreneurship landscape.

Selected finalists receive an exceptional support package including one-on-one pitch coaching, financial mentoring, and access to the Spark Collective perks platform. The program culminates in a high-stakes pitch event at UCLA, where founders present their ventures to potential investors and industry leaders. This visibility has proven instrumental for past participants, with many securing additional investment and strategic partnerships following the competition.

Need assistance with your Fast Pitch application? Grantaura‘s expert team specializes in crafting compelling grant applications, business plans, and pitch decks specifically tailored for women-focused funding opportunities. Our comprehensive services include detailed financial planning, project strategy development, and professional application submission support to maximize your chances of securing this transformative funding.

Focus: Women entrepreneurship, tech startups, consumer products, business development, venture capital access, startup funding, female founders, business growth, entrepreneurship education

Region: United States

Eligibility:
-Business must be founded, co-founded, or majority-owned by a woman
-Maximum raised outside funding of $750,000 (including personal cash funds)
-Based in the United States
-Must attend the Fast Pitch Event at UCLA in person
-Pre-revenue companies are eligible with demonstrated customer interest
-Both tracks are open:
–Tech/Tech-enabled track: B2B or B2C companies with significant technology development
–Consumer/CPG/Other Non-tech track: Physical products, consumer media, content, or services
-Cannot be from:
–Life Sciences sector
–Nonprofit organizations
–Cannabis/CBD industry

Benefits:
-$25,000 cash grant for first place in each track
-Additional $5,000 grant selected by Junior Venture Capitalists
-One-on-one pitch coaching
-Financial mentorship
-Access to Spark Collective perks platform
-Professional services package
-Alumni community membership
-Investor networking opportunities
-Practice pitch events with feedback
-Ongoing support network

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Terms:
-Fast Pitch: A competitive event where entrepreneurs present their business concepts to investors in a time-constrained format
-CPG: Consumer Packaged Goods, refers to products that are consumed every day by average consumers
-B2B: Business-to-Business, companies that primarily sell products or services to other businesses
-B2C: Business-to-Consumer, companies that sell directly to end consumers
-LOI: Letter of Intent, a document demonstrating customer interest or commitment
-VC: Venture Capital, a form of private equity financing provided to startups with high growth potential
-PPP: Paycheck Protection Program, a loan program that doesn’t count toward the funding limit
-Non-dilutive grants: Funding that doesn’t require giving up equity in your company