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Top 15 Startup Competitions for Female Entrepreneurs in North America 2025
2025-05-11 08:47 Top 15

Top 15 Startup Competitions for Female Entrepreneurs in North America 2025

Top 15 Startup Competitions for Female Entrepreneurs in North America 2025

As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, female-identifying founders are carving out crucial spaces for innovation and impact. In 2025, numerous startup competitions specifically recognizing and supporting female entrepreneurs will be available across North America. These competitions offer not just financial support, but also mentorship, networking, and resources to help women-led businesses thrive. Here’s a detailed look at the Top 15 Startup Competitions for Female Entrepreneurs in North America in 2025.
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1. Amber Grants for Women

Description: WomensNet awards three $10,000 Amber Grants each month to women-owned businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, they provide three $25,000 annual grants to monthly winners.
Data Points:
  • Grant Amount: $10,000 monthly, $25,000 annually.
  • Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in U.S. and Canada.
  • Frequency: Monthly.
  • Categories: Startup, specific categories, general small business.
  • Application: Simple explanation of business.
  • Learn more about Amber Grants for Women

2. Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition

Description: An annual competition for U.S.-based female entrepreneurs.
Data Points:
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3. FoundHer Accelerator Program (Hawaii)

Description: A six-month accelerator program focusing on early-stage for-profit businesses in Hawaii with at least 51% Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander ownership.
Data Points:
  • Grant Amount: $20,000 grants plus a $4,000 care stipend.
  • Program Length: 6 months.
  • Additional Support: Weekly educational workshops and monthly networking retreats.
  • Eligibility: Hawaii-based businesses meeting ownership criteria.
  • Focus: Women entrepreneurs in Hawaii.
  • Learn more about FoundHer Accelerator Program

4. FourthWave Accelerator Program

Description: Non-profit accelerator for women-led tech startups, offering mentorship, leadership development, and funding preparation.
Data Points:
  • Focus: Women-led technology businesses.
  • Program Components: Mentorship, leadership development, funding preparation.
  • Location: Sacramento, California.
  • Application: Opens in May 2025.
  • Partnership: Collaborates with the Carlsen Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Sacramento State.
  • Find out more about FourthWave Accelerator Program

5. New Venture Challenge - Women Founders Competition (University of Colorado Boulder)

Description: This multi-round entrepreneurial competition emphasizes teams with at least one core woman team member.
Data Points:
  • Prize Pool: $15,000.
  • Eligibility: Teams with one core woman team member.
  • Competition Type: Multi-round.
  • Location: University of Colorado Boulder.
  • Key Dates: Registration opens February 8, 2025; finals on March 19, 2025.
  • Learn more about New Venture Challenge

6. Global Female Entrepreneurs Summit

Description: A virtual summit aimed at female startup founders seeking practical growth solutions.
Data Points:
  • Format: Fully immersive virtual experience.
  • Dates: February 20-21, 2025.
  • Location: Online.
  • Features: Keynote sessions, masterclasses, and panel discussions.
  • Networking: Includes interactive virtual networking tables.
  • Discover Global Female Entrepreneurs Summit

7. WBENC National Conference

Description: This large annual event provides networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs and corporate executives.
Data Points:
  • Focus: Networking and business connections.
  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Dates: June 23-26, 2025.
  • Audience: Women entrepreneurs and corporate executives.
  • Organization: Hosted by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
  • Learn more about WBENC National Conference
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8. Female Founder Program by the Founder Institute

Description: An accelerator program tailored for early-stage women entrepreneurs.
Data Points:
  • Focus: Early-stage women entrepreneurs.
  • Program Components: Mentorship and networking access.
  • Format: Available in virtual and hybrid models.
  • Collaboration: Works with WomenTech Network.
  • Support: Access to investors and resources.
  • Find out more about Female Founder Program

9. Girls Start-Up Business Plan Competition (Seeds of Fortune)

Description: An accelerator program for young women innovators, targeting high school-aged girls.
Data Points:
  • Focus: High school-aged women.
  • Program Components: Internships, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
  • Funding: Up to $6,000 available.
  • Unique Perks: Miami Pitch Trip experience.
  • Skills Developed: Public speaking and financial literacy.
  • Learn more about Seeds of Fortune

10. Inc. Female Founders 500

Description: An annual list highlighting 500 successful women entrepreneurs curated by Inc. Magazine.
Data Points:
  • Focus: Recognizing outstanding female founders.
  • Selection Criteria: Revenue, growth metrics, and impactful milestones from 2024.
  • Application Period: Opened for 2025 list.
  • Visibility Opportunity: Exceptional platform for showcasing businesses.
  • Prestige: Being included amplifies recognition and network access.
  • Learn more about Inc. Female Founders 500

11. Coco Ventures Pitch Competition

Description: Designed to support women entrepreneurs, this pitch competition offers investment opportunities.
Data Points:
  • Investment Prize: Up to $100,000 in funding.
  • Eligibility: Women-led startups at all stages.
  • Event Format: Hosted in various cities across the U.S.
  • Selection Process: Thorough evaluation from industry experts.
  • Focus Areas: Diverse industries including tech and social impact.
  • Discover Coco Ventures Pitch Competition

12. Women in Tech Pitch Competition

Description: A competition centered around technology startups led by women, offering funding and mentorship.
Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Prizes vary; typically $25,000.
  • Eligibility: Female-led tech startups.
  • Application Deadlines: Check for specifics; typically in early 2025.
  • Support Provided: Access to mentors and advisors in tech fields.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other female leaders in tech.
  • Learn more about Women in Tech Competition

13. Startup World Cup - Women’s Track

Description: Part of a global competition, this track emphasizes women-led startups aiming at international markets.
Data Points:
  • Grand Prize: $1,000,000 investment prize.
  • Eligibility: Women-led startups.
  • Regional Finals: Hosted across North America.
  • Networking: Access to global investors and mentors.
  • Impact Focus: Encourages women to pitch ideas with social impact initiatives.
  • Explore Startup World Cup

14. SheEO Challenge

Description: A community-driven funding model where women support women-led ventures through challenges.
Data Points:
  • Funding Amount: Each selected venture receives up to $100,000.
  • Application Criteria: Must be female-led with a focus on social good.
  • Community Model: Participants become “Activators” to fund and support chosen ventures.
  • Focus Area: Diverse categories promoting social entrepreneurship.
  • Network Access: Joining a global network of women leaders.
  • Learn more about SheEO Challenge

15. Techstars Foundation Female Founders Program

Description: Focused on empowering female tech founders through investment and mentorship opportunities.
Data Points:
  • Investment Amount: Includes funding and equity stake.
  • Eligibility: Tech startups led by women.
  • Program Length: 3-month intensive mentorship program.
  • Final Pitch: Participants present their businesses to investors.
  • Support Structure: Ongoing mentorship and resources provided.
  • Find out more about Techstars Foundation
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FAQ

Q: What is the Amber Grants for Women?
A: The Amber Grants for Women awards three monthly $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses in the U.S. or Canada, along with three annual $25,000 grants for monthly winners. Learn more about Amber Grants.
Q: Which competition is specifically for women-led startups in the U.S.?
A: The Women Founders Network Fast Pitch Competition is an annual competition for U.S.-based businesses started by women that have raised less than $750,000. Discover the Women Founders Network.
Q: What is the FoundHer Accelerator Program?
A: This six-month program in Hawaii supports early-stage, for-profit businesses that are at least 51% Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander-owned, with grants and educational workshops. Learn more about the FoundHer Accelerator.
Q: What does the FourthWave Accelerator Program focus on?
A: The FourthWave Accelerator Program supports women-led tech businesses through mentorship and preparation for funding, with its application opening in May 2025. Explore the FourthWave.
Q: What are the key details of the New Venture Challenge at the University of Colorado Boulder?
A: The New Venture Challenge offers a $15,000 prize pool for teams with at least one core female team member, with key dates including registration on February 8, 2025, and finals on March 19, 2025. Find out more about the New Venture Challenge.
Q: When is the Global Female Entrepreneurs Summit taking place?
A: The Global Female Entrepreneurs Summit will occur online on February 20-21, 2025, featuring networking and workshops for female startup founders. Learn about the Global Female Entrepreneurs Summit.
Q: What is the WBENC National Conference?
A: The WBENC National Conference is a large annual event for women entrepreneurs and corporate executives focused on networking and business connections, taking place June 23-26, 2025, in New Orleans, LA. Discover the WBENC National Conference.
Q: What does the Female Founder Program by the Founder Institute offer?
A: This accelerator program provides support for early-stage women entrepreneurs through access to mentorship, networking, and resources in a virtual or hybrid format. Explore the Female Founder Program.
Q: Who can participate in the Girls Start-Up Business Plan Competition?
A: The Girls Start-Up Business Plan Competition targets high school-aged young women innovators and includes workshops, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Learn more about the competition.
Q: What is the Inc. Female Founders 500?
A: The Inc. Female Founders 500 is an annual list that recognizes 500 successful women entrepreneurs based on their achievements over the past year, with applications open for 2025. Find out more about the Inc. Female Founders 500.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.