Menu
2026 Women Leaders PitchFest
Presented by Founders First + WPO
The Founders First & WPO Pitchfest is a competitive program empowering women business leaders. WPO members showcase their growth strategies, gain expert feedback, and access funding resources—including the chance to win cash prizes. The program helps service-based businesses scale, innovate, and create lasting impact.
PitchFest Benefits
Pitch Readiness
Refine your business strategy and perfect your pitch with expert coaching and on-demand training through the Passport for Funding Readiness program.
Investor Connections
Gain direct access to funders and WPO leaders through exclusive networking opportunities designed to elevate your visibility and funding potential.
$6,000 in Cash Prizes
Compete to win $5,000 for Best Growth Strategy or $1,000 Audience Choice—plus amplify your exposure to potential investors and strategic partners.
PitchFest Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an active WPO member with business located in US or Canada.
- Generating between $250,000 to $10 million in annual revenue
- Have generated between $1M to $10M in annual revenue in 2024 (with verified with financial statements).
- Operate a for-profit, service-based business with a B2B (Business-to-Business) or B2G (Business-to-Government) model.
- Business-to-business (B2B) and/or business-to-government (B2G model)
- Must Complete All Pages of This Application before May 1, 2026
Join the Pitchfest
Apply now to pitch your business and win funding.
Meet The Organizers
Founded in 2015, Founders First Capital Partners (FFCP) is one of the nation’s largest mission-driven alternative growth capital providers delivering accessible growth capital and wrap-around advisory solutions to accelerate service-based businesses to the mid-market. FFCP is dedicated to advancing economic mobility of service-based small business owners, regardless of their background or geographic location. Our mission is to drive business growth, job creation, and empower wealth creation for underserved communities.
Founded in 1997, WPO is where dynamic and diverse women business leaders around the world tap into collective insight to experience game-changing breakthroughs; where women business leader’s perspective can be understood, challenged, and refined; where women business leaders can validate everything that’s gotten them this far and cultivate new strategies that’ll take them even farther.
FAQ
The Pitchfest will be held on May 1, 2026. Location is TBD.
The Pitchfest is hosted by Founders First Capital Partners, a women-led organization dedicated to providing capital access and training for service-based small businesses, in partnership with WPO (Women Presidents Organization).
- Complete the Interest Form.
- Respond to email with link to Pitch Program Application.
- Complete the Pitch Program Application.
- Enroll in the Passport for Funding Readiness on-demand program.
- Submit financial verification of annual revenue.
Must complete an application and submitted by May 1, 2026.
There is no cost to apply, but participants must cover their own: Conference registration fees for the WPO Entrepreneur Forum and travel and lodging expenses.
Yes! Finalists will receive: Pitch production and coaching to refine their presentations and financial readiness guidance through the Passport for Funding Readiness program.
Participating in Pitchfest offers expert feedback on our business strategy, networking with WPO members and investors, increased visibility and credibility, funding and business growth opportunities, and a chance to win two major prizes: $5,000 for Best Growth Strategy and $1,000 Audience Choice.
All updates will be sent via email from WPO and Founders First Capital Partners. Participants should regularly check their inboxes and respond to any required actions promptly.
For more details, please reach out to Founders First Capital Partners, kfolsom@f1stcp.com or your WPO Chapter Chair.
