GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS
Up to $100,000 (winners receive $75,000 or $100,000); finalists also receive $2,500 during the program. Annual, two cycles per year.
Cycle 2 2026 final deadline is August 13, 2026; priority deadline was July 1, 2026.
FUNDING TYPE
Pitch Competition
CAN YOU GET THIS?
YOUR REAL ODDS
The program has funded 124 startups since inception, running at least two cycles per year across three tracks.
Finalists receive $2,500 during a mentorship phase just to participate, then pitch for $75,000 or $100,000 before sector-specific investment committees—competition is real but structured, and support is built in.
WHAT IT TAKES
Submit application before the final deadline — 1–3 hours to complete
If selected as a finalist, engage with Launch Advisors during the mentorship phase — Several weeks
Pitch to a sector-specific investment committee at the track finale event — One day
WORTH KNOWING
Previous winners say the biggest benefit is the network and advisor access, not just the cash—engaging seriously with the Launch Advisors during the mentorship phase is likely a differentiator for winning.
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Athene Black & Brown Pitch Competition
Up to $12,000 for the top winner (varies by year); finalists receive $1,000. Awarded annually.
Black and Brown founders of any stage or industry can compete for up to $12,000 at this annual Iowa-based pitch competition.
Enthuse Foundation’s 8th Annual Pitch...
$15,000 cash grand prize (plus $120,000+ in-kind package); awarded once per year.
Women-founded food, beverage, or CPG startups based in the US with under $750K revenue can apply.
$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.
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