If you are an entrepreneur with a registered business and have been selling products or services for at least 3 years and you are looking to learn how to access capital to grow your business, this event is for you! Thanks to our sponsor Huntington Bank for your support of small business owners!
Location: St. Paul Event Center, 400 Wabasha Street North, St. Paul, MN 551020.
Program:
9:30 AM: Check-in, Registration, Networking
10:15 AM: Keynote Address featuring Kristen Denzer
11:00 AM: Break. Mini Marketplace open
11:15 AM - 1:15 PM: Resource table appointments, shopping, and networking
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Pitch Competition
2:00 PM: Close
Keynote Speaker: Kristen Denzer, CEO, Tierra Encantada
Kristen Denzer, CEO of Tierra Encantada, is a serial entrepreneur and experienced speaker. Her entrepreneurial journey began with consulting, where she provided evaluation assistance to over twenty nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and tribal nations, such as designing Twin Cities Pride’s evaluation for its annual festival and parade. Since 2013 Tierra Encantada has grown exponentially, first through corporate growth and then in 2019 launched franchising. Tierra Encantada has corporate and franchise locations across the country, and has aggressive growth plans to continue its national expansion. Kristen’s real estate development company currently has a portfolio of over 100,000 square feet of commercial space, and she also co-founded two other companies that she later sold.
This event has a participant waiting list. We are allocating funds for each participant, with the time and expertise of the resource table representatives, food & beverages, parking, and vendors. If unable to attend, please update your registration or notify us at marketing@womenventure.org as soon as possible to cancel. This opens a spot for a waitlisted attendee. Thanks for your understanding and quick action!
Attendees are welcome to park in Ramp C off Wabasha St. North and will be provided with a parking validation at registration. You can find more details on parking and public transit on St. Paul Event Center’s website.
Thank you to our resource partners! Center for Economic Inclusion, Groove Capital, Huntington Bank, Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA), Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), and US Small Business Administration (SBA), Minnesota District. View the full schedule of resource table appointments here.
We are allocating funds for each participant, with the time and expertise of the resource table representatives, food & beverages, parking, and vendors. If unable to attend, please update your registration or notify us at marketing@womenventure.org as soon as possible to cancel. This opens a spot for a waitlisted attendee. Thanks for your understanding and quick action!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to have an established business to attend?
A: You need to have been in business with an EIN and registered name for a full three years minimum.
How will the pitch contestants be selected?
A: Pitch competition participants will be selected randomly by WomenVenture.
How many contestants will there be?
A: We will select five to participate in the pitch competition.
How will the winner be selected?
A: The pitch competition will be selected by judges, a representative from each of the resource tables.
What criteria will be used to judge the pitches?
A: Pitches will be judged on: 1) clarity: did you say your business name, did you complete your pitch within the 3-minute time limit; 2) Description of product or services, 3) Why do you deserve to win and what would you do with $1000? 4) presentation, did you represent your brand?
How long will I have to give my pitch?
A: You will have three minutes.
Will the time limit be enforced?
A: Yes.
What should my pitch entail?
A: See answer to question 5.
Who is judging the pitch competition?
A: The resource table representatives from MEDA, Groove Capital, Center for Economic Inclusion, US Small Business Administration, Neighborhood Development Center, Huntington Bank, and WomenVenture.
Can I provide handouts, PowerPoints, or any other materials?
A: The pitch presentation is expected to be exclusively verbal.
Are there any specific rules for pitch competition?
A: See answers to 6, 7, and 8.- You are allotted 3 minutes to communicate details about your business, services or products, and outline your intentions for the $1000 prize grant. This presentation must be verbal, akin to an elevator pitch, and does not permit the use of handouts, videos, or PowerPoint presentations.
How many winners will be selected?
A: One winner will be selected.
What if I am selected to be in the pitch competition and decide that I no longer want to participate?
A: If you are selected for the pitch competition and no longer can or want to participate, please let us know ASAP but not later than within 7 days of the event so we can provide the opportunity to another entrepreneur.
Will there be an opportunity to receive feedback on my pitch?
A: Our Resource table representatives will each have scored the presentations, and we will email the scorecards to each entrepreneur who presents their pitch within a week of the event.
What if I opt out and then change my mind and want to participate?
A: Once you opt out you cannot opt in again.
When will the winner receive the grant?
A: The winner will receive the grant within 2 weeks of submitting their IRS W9 and ACH bank information.
How will the winner receive the grant?
A: The winner will receive the grant via ACH or a check from WomenVenture.
Are there any tax implications for me?
A: Please consult with your tax professional regarding the implications for your business.
Will the grant be paid out to me or my business?
A: Your business must be registered with the State of Minnesota’s Secretary of State office. The award will be paid to your business account.
What forms do I need to complete to receive the grant?
A: IRS Form W-9 and ACH form and a copy of a voided check where funds will be deposited
Are there any stipulations, restrictions or reporting requirements for the prize grant?
A: WomenVenture has no reporting requirements for how the grant prize is used. Please consult with your accountant regarding how your account for this grant.
