New Voices Power Pitch!

The New Voices Power Pitch! is a premier pitch competition designed to elevate and empower women of color entrepreneurs by providing critical access to non-dilutive capital, expert coaching, and invaluable exposure. Since its inception, the Power Pitch has become a defining platform for Black women-owned businesses to showcase their innovative ideas, gain strategic feedback, and accelerate their growth.

What is the Power Pitch?

The Power Pitch is a high-impact competition where selected entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges and a live audience at major national events such as the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™. Winners receive substantial cash grants—ranging from $25,000 to $75,000—as well as ongoing business coaching and mentorship to help scale their ventures.

Why Power Pitch?

Entrepreneurs of color, particularly African-American and Latina women, face significant barriers in accessing venture capital and resources. The Power Pitch addresses this gap by investing directly in these founders, helping to close the funding and revenue divide. Since 2018, New Voices Foundation has awarded over $1.25 million in non-dilutive capital through pitch competitions, empowering hundreds of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and impact their communities.

Recent Highlights

At the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™, the New Voices $150,000 Power Pitch, sponsored by the Entergy Charitable Foundation, crowned three outstanding Black women entrepreneurs:

  • $75,000 Winner: Brooke Hill, Co-Founder & CEO of Swella Beauty, revolutionizing hair braiding services for Black women through innovative technology.

  • $50,000 Winner: Felicia Jackson, CEO of CPRWrap, offering a life-saving disposable CPR template designed to increase bystander intervention.

  • $25,000 Winners: Mabel & Shaira Frias, Co-Founders of LUNA MAGIC, a vibrant indie beauty and lifestyle brand celebrating multicultural heritage.

These winners not only received significant funding but also joined the New Voices Family, gaining access to a supportive ecosystem of mentors, investors, and peers.

Impact and Community

The Power Pitch is more than a competition—it’s a movement to build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants benefit from coaching, networking, and visibility that extend well beyond the event, creating lasting opportunities for growth and collaboration.