Key4Women and SCORE sponsor women-owned business pitch contest Northeast Ohio start-up and existing WOB businesses will compete for $22,000 in awards KeyBank’s Key4Women program and SCORE Cleveland are sponsoring a business pitch contest for women-owned businesses located in Northeast Ohio. The competition will take place October 4, 2022 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Cuyahoga County Community College. Two track-opportunities for start-ups and existing businesses will be offered, with cash awards totaling $22,000. The grand prize winner will earn $10,000. To be eligible, businesses must be 51 percent owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. They must also be headquartered in Ashtabula, Carroll, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Harrison, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas or Wayne counties. The application deadline is July 31, 2022.
year’s contestants clearly demonstrated the vision, ingenuity and grit to one day successfully compete in and contribute to Northeast Ohio’s growing economy,” said Sharon Rose, Co-chair of Cleveland Score. “Our volunteers look forward to helping contestants submit applications as well as fine tune their ‘pitch.’ Additionally, we are available to provide free comprehensive business expertise and mentoring to all applicants once the contest concludes. In our mission to foster small vibrant business communities, we serve all entrepreneurs, whether a start-up or growing business seeking additional expert support.” Ten finalists will be selected by representatives from SCORE. The finalists will then present a 4-minute pitch and field questions for 6 minutes.
Final awards will be chosen by a panel of five judges, which will include 3 local women business “We are excited to once again work with with owners and two KeyBank bankers. Criteria used Key4Women on this year’s pitch contest. Last to determine winners include the quality of the SPRING/SUMMER 2022 | 25
