WFN Fast Pitch Competition
Women Founders Network
About the Grant
In its 13th year, the Fast Pitch Competition from the Women Founders Network is open to U.S. businesses started by women. To be eligible, your business cannot have raised more than $750,000. Selected participants pitch their businesses in person and winners receive $25,000 grants.
Notes
The 2025 application has passed but this is an annual program in its 13th year. Check back periodically for updates about 2026 application windows
Related Grants
Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund
Chicago Department of Planning and Development
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide. Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.
CO Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentive
CO Office of Economic Development
The Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentive is for business expansion or relocation projects for which Colorado is in competition with at least one other state and the company has received a commitment of local government funding that matches any requested state government incentives. The incentive provides a cash payment over five years to companies that create and maintain new permanent jobs in Colorado. Your business may not start or announce the proposed project in Colorado until your business submits a final application to Global Business Development and the Colorado Economic Development Commission approves the application.
Florida STEP Program
State of Florida
Looking to export? Your small business may be eligible for a grant through the SBA’s State Trade and Expansion Program (STEP). Through the STEP grant, your business may be eligible for reimbursement for costs incurred for trade show fees and related travel expenses, product sample shipments, export credit insurance feeds, translation services, company promotions/marketing plans and more.
Baltimore Downtown Business Grants
City of Baltimore
Funding is available to support businesses and property improvements within Baltimore's Downtown Management Authority boundaries. Baltimore has multiple grant programs available for façade improvement and the buildout of storefronts. There are also funds available specifically for both minority-owned businesses and restaurant businesses.
Suffolk Small Business Improvement Grant
City of Suffolk
The City of Suffolk offers a Small Business Improvement Grant to local retail and restaurant operations to help them fund building improvements. Businesses can get grants equal to up to 50% of their project costs, not to exceed $10,000. Companies must commit to creating at least one new, full-time job to qualify.