Pitch Your Business for a Chance to Win a $25,000 Marketing Partnership
NAWBO Charlotte and Carolina Ascent FC are inviting women-owned businesses to apply for a unique growth opportunity. Ten finalists will be selected, featured, and promoted leading up to the live pitch event on October 16, 2026. Finalists will also receive two private virtual workshops to help them prepare, and one business will win a customized marketing partnership valued at approximately $25,000.
You already know your business. The application simply asks you to tell us about it.
About the Opportunity
Carolina Ascent FC, in partnership with NAWBO Charlotte, is proud to offer one woman-owned business the opportunity to receive a customized marketing partnership valued at approximately $25,000. This initiative is designed to help a growing business increase visibility, strengthen brand awareness, engage new audiences, and accelerate business growth through strategic marketing and community engagement opportunities.
Promotion and visibility from Carolina Ascent FC and NAWBO Charlotte leading up to the October 16 live pitch event.
Recognition as one of 10 selected finalists.
Two private virtual workshops designed to help finalists strengthen and prepare their pitch.
The opportunity to pitch live for the grand-prize marketing partnership.
What the Finalists Will Receive
Finalist Preparation
All 10 finalists will participate in two private virtual workshops before the competition to help them refine their message, strengthen their delivery, and feel ready for the live pitch on October 16.
What the Selected Business Will Receive
Brand visibility opportunities
Marketing and promotional support
Community engagement opportunities
Networking exposure
Business development opportunities
Recognition as a featured small business partner
Who Should Apply
Applicants should:
Be a woman-owned business
Be located in the Greater Charlotte region
Have been in business for at least one year
Demonstrate a commitment to growth, innovation, and community impact
Be prepared to actively participate in partnership activities
How It Works
Application Process
1
Submit your application.
2
Ten finalists are selected.
3
Finalists are featured and promoted by Carolina Ascent FC and NAWBO Charlotte.
4
Finalists participate in two private virtual workshops.
5
Finalists pitch live on October 16.
6
One business is selected to receive the marketing partnership.
Important Dates
Please include a brief overview of the four application sections
Application Opens
June 1st, 2026
Application Deadline
July 31st, 2026 at 11:59PM EST
Selection Week
August 3rd - 14th. 2026
Finalists Announced
August 17th, 2026
Finalist Promotion Period
After finalist selection through October 16, 2026
Workshops
September 17th & 24th, 2026
Live Pitch Event
October 16, 2026
FAQs
The application takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
No. Finalists will receive two private virtual workshops to help them prepare.
Finalists will be featured and promoted by Carolina Ascent FC and NAWBO Charlotte leading up to the October 16 pitch event.
Ten finalists will move forward to the pitch event.
One winner will receive a customized marketing partnership valued at approximately $25,000.