Detroit Regional Chamber > Racial Justice & Economic Equity > BasBlue Foundation Awards $17.5K to Women Entrepreneurs

BasBlue Foundation Awards $17.5K to Women Entrepreneurs

March 28, 2024

Michigan Chronicle
Miss AJ Williams
March 27, 2024

The BasBlue Foundation, a local organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs, recently awarded $17,500 to three female founders during their Founders + Fund (Her)s Pitch Day. The competition, held on March 26, provided early-stage entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities with exposure, mentorship, and funding to grow their businesses.

Winners and Honorable Mentions

  • First Place ($10,000): Andrea Davis, Linked Workforce LLC, a workforce management consulting firm
  • Second Place ($5,000): Trinity Brown, Trinity Barbara, handmade sterling silver jewelry
  • Third Place ($2,500): Bri Muhammad, The Beaute Loft, a space offering artisanal products, workshops, and custom perfume bars
  • Honorable Mention: Kate Milligan, 1 Girl Revolution, a media enterprise highlighting stories of women and girls
  • Honorable Mention: Erin Schnute, Bed and BARKfest, a personalized dog boarding experience

Addressing the Gender Gap in VC Funding

The BasBlue Foundation aims to address the persistent gender gap in venture capital funding. Despite efforts to increase diversity, women founders still receive a small percentage of VC funding. Founders + Fund (Her)s Pitch Day works to level the playing field by providing women with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Founders + Fund (Her)s Pitch Day

The competition provided five finalists with the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of local investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Each founder received a coaching session to prepare their pitch and presentation. In addition to the cash prizes, the top three winners received a one-year membership to the BasBlue membership community.

BasBlue Foundation’s Commitment

“BasBlue is committed to empowering women founders, especially women of color,” said BasBlue Co-Founder Nancy Tellem. “We provide more than just financial backing; we offer resources, mentorship, and a supportive community to ensure their success.”

BasBlue Co-Founder Natacha Hildebrand added, “When we empower women entrepreneurs, we empower our communities. Their businesses create jobs and boost the local economy. Investing in women is not only good for business, but it’s the right thing to do.”

Judges and Additional Information

The competition’s judges included prominent figures in the investment and entrepreneurial communities. For more information about Founders + Fund (Her)s and the BasBlue Foundation, visit their website at www.basblueus.com/founders-intro.