Vancouver, Dec. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) announced the three finalists from its Pitch for the Purse program at the Vancouver Club yesterday morning. Following weeks of one-on-one coaching from members of its community who are well-versed in pitching for investment, the ten semi-finalists presented their 5-minute pitches live in front of a panel of three judges and an audience of potential investors at the Semi-Finals breakfast. The three finalists are Valerie Song of AVA Technologies Inc., Nicole Smith of Flytographer, and Julia Dexter of Squiggle Park.
Winners were selected by investment heavyweights Tracey McVicar, Managing Partner, CAI Private Equity, John Montalbano, Principal, Tower Beach Capital Ltd. and Ali Pejman, Partner, Fort Capital, who have each selected one Finalist to mentor for the Gala Finale.
The three finalists are:
- Valerie Song, CEO and Co-Founder of AVA Technologies Inc. who will work with Ali Pejman to perfect her pitch for the Pitch Finale in February. AVA unlocks the green thumb in anyone by making gardening as easy as hitting download. AVA Byte is a smart garden that uses seed pods and software to grow plants.
- Nicole Smith, Founder of Flytographer who will work with Tracey McVicar to prepare for the Pitch Finale. Flytographer is an online marketplace that connects travellers with local photographers in 200 cities worldwide. Their community of 400 carefully-chosen photographers not only takes stunning photos, but also shares insider tips on things to eat, see, and do and takes travellers to unique parts of the city they may not discover otherwise.
- Julia Dexter, Co-Founder of Squiggle Park who will work with John Montalbano to refine her pitch and prepare for the Pitch Finale. Squiggle Park is the world’s most fun reading platform for PreK-2 kids. Combining music, poetry, gaming technology, and phonics, Squiggle Park teaches children foundational reading skills. What’s amazing is that learners with no prior English knowledge can start learning and become confident, successful individuals through play.
Access to capital remains a key barrier for women entrepreneurs; this Program has educated over 250 women entrepreneurs across Canada about accessing capital. The Semi-Finals provides exposure for these women and their businesses, highlighting them at an event attended by investors and potential clients.
The Pitch Finale will be featured at The Odlum Brown FWE Gala: Pitch for the Purse on February 15, 2018 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The 3 Finalists will pitch live, and will need to be quick on their toes when two Celebrity Judges ask questions of the Finalists on stage. The Winner of the $25,000 cash prize will be selected by the Gala’s 650+ guests that include some of Vancouver’s top business leaders and entrepreneurs. All three Finalists will also be given a spot at E-Series 2018, FWE’s immersive 3-day educational program held from April 18-20, 2018.
More information about Pitch for the Purse can be found at pitchforthepurse.ca.
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About FWE:
The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) is a Vancouver-based charity that educates, mentors and connects women entrepreneurs to be wildly successful, promoting strong economies and thriving communities. With the goal of building the economy, one woman-owned business at a time, FWE supports women who are venturing into new business opportunities or ready to ramp up and grow their existing business. From start-up advice to specific tips and tricks, FWE leaders, advisors, and business professionals are ready to share their expertise through game-changing and impactful programs. Since its inception, FWE has curated over 1,600 Mentor pairings, counts 470+ E-Series Alumnae, and has educated and mentored 250+ women with Pitch for the Purse. More importantly, when you help a woman entrepreneur through FWE, she will go on to create 10 more jobs and grow her revenue by over 30% each year. Although 50% of new businesses fail after the first 5 years, women who are educated and mentored by FWE are beating the odds stacked against them and are 3 times more likely to still be in business than the Canadian average. Learn more at www.fwe.ca.