InnovateHer
www.sba.gov
InnovateHER is a cross-cutting women’s business challenge to unearth innovative products and services that help impact and empower the lives of women and families.
Did you know…? 57% of working age women participate in the labor force. 74% of employed women work full-time. 70% of working women have children under 18 years old. -2013 US Dept of Labor Statistics. We know that our workforce looks very different from 50 years ago. Women now make up nearly half of the labor force and play a critical role in our nation’s economic prosperity. Most children live in households where all parents work. And as our population ages, families are increasingly caring for aging parents while balancing the needs of work and home. As demands on women and families grow, the need for products and services that address unique challenges increases. This Challenge will provide that platform.
InnovateHER provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase products or services that have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families (30%), has the potential for commercialization (40%), and fills a need in the marketplace (30%).
Participants must be at least 18 years of age, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and meet other requirements as defined in the Competition Rules .
How to Participate, contact: www.sba.gov
InnovateHER’s first round goes live March 1st. Throughout the month of March, universities, accelerators, resource partners and other organizations will host local competitions. A month after going live, each host will select and submit one local winner to the SBA, who will then identify no more than 10 finalists. These finalists will travel to Washington D.C., and have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges and compete for up to $30,000 in prize money during National Small Business Week, May 4 – 8, 2015.
Finalists will be responsible for covering their own travel costs to DC for the national competition.
