PITCH COMPETITION
WE Power Food is excited to announce our 2026 Food Pitch Competition. This program aims to support women-owned food businesses across North Carolina with funding, mentorship, and visibility. All participants in the pitch competition must be current members of WE Power Food in good standing.
Program Overview
The WE Power Food Pitch Competition is a statewide funding opportunity brought to you by WE Power Food with the help of NCIDEA and Wells Fargo. The program is designed to accelerate the growth of legally operating, women-owned food businesses across North Carolina. Through this competitive pitch program, WE Power Food will award $30,000 in total funding to founders who are ready to expand operations, develop value-added products, and increase their economic impact within local food communities.
All pitch competition participants must be current WE Power Food members in good standing. Funding is awarded across five total prizes, with a priority focus on supporting businesses located in North Carolina Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties—regions that have been historically under-resourced and disproportionately impacted by barriers to capital access.
Prizes & County Eligibility
Tier 1 & Tier 2 County Awards — $25,000 Total
These awards are reserved for women-owned food businesses physically located in North Carolina’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and are designed to fuel local economic growth.
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Grand Prize: $10,000
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Second Place: $7,000
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Third Place: $5,000
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Fourth Place: $3,000
Open County Award (Statewide) — $5,000
This award ensures the competition remains inclusive while protecting its equity mission. It allows:
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Exceptional women-owned food businesses from across North Carolina to compete
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Expansion-ready founders outside Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties to access capital
Apply Now
Participation is subject to official eligibility requirements and Terms & Conditions. Cash awards are taxable and subject to verification. Judging decisions are final. WE Power Food reserves the right to modify or cancel the competition at any time.