InnovateHER: 2015 Innovating for Women Business Challenge
InnovateHER is a cross-cutting women's business challenge to unearth innovative products and services that help impact and empower the lives of women and families.
We know that our workforce looks very different from 50 years ago. Women now make up nearly half of the labor force and play a critical role in our nation’s economic prosperity. Most children live in households where all parents work. And as our population ages, families are increasingly caring for aging parents while balancing the needs of work and home. As demands on women and families grow, the need for products and services that address unique challenges increases. This Challenge will provide that platform.
CHALLENGE CRITERIA
InnovateHER provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase products or services that have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families, have the potential for commercialization, and fill a need in the marketplace.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and meet other requirements as defined in the Competition Rules .
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
As an InnovateHER’s host organization, The Refinery has an open call for applications beginning March 1, 2015. Five finalists will be selected to pitch to a panel of judges on Wednesday, March 25th from 6pm to 10pm at The Stamford Innovation Center. One winner will be selected by the judges to be the local winner. The SBA will then identify no more than ten finalists nationally who will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges in Washington, DC and compete for up to $30,000 in prize money during National Small Business Week, May 4-8, 2015. Competition rules and other guidelines are available atwww.SBA.gov/InnovateHER.
TO APPLY
Please send a business plan to refineryct@gmail.com and complete the application below.
The business plan can be in any format, including powerpoint, financial model, word document, etc. that best portrays your company's current operations and go-forward plan.