#United States #New York #Women Entrepreneurs #Enthuse Foundation #Pitch Night

Enthuse Foundation Supports Women Entrepreneurs with Annual Pitch Night

On October 15, 2026, the Enthuse Foundation made an exciting announcement as it revealed the finalists for its 8th Annual Pitch Night, an event dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. Scheduled for November 5, 2026, at The Town Hall by Skylight in New York City, this much-anticipated evening will showcase five promising, women-owned consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands that have demonstrated traction in the market, with annual revenues ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.

The Enthuse Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting women founders, understands the unique challenges faced by early-stage entrepreneurs as they transition to sustainable growth. By bridging the gap between initial traction and the capital needed for scaling, the Foundation plays a crucial role in fostering female-led businesses. According to the Foundation, many women entrepreneurs acquire traction yet struggle to attract traditional funding due to their unique business models or revenue stages. At this critical point, the Enthuse Foundation stands out, saying “yes” even when the traditional funding landscape often says “not yet.”

This year’s finalists were chosen from a competitive pool of over 200 applications, highlighting the exceptional quality and innovation of women-led businesses today. The five finalists are:

1. Cartwheel - Founded by Joanna Shu, this brand offers innovative first aid products designed for families, focusing on more effective and user-friendly solutions.
2. Cotto - Kendall Kransdorf's brand introduces a unique cottage cheese-based dip, reimagining the traditional dip experience with protein-rich ingredients.
3. Fermenteria - The probiotic drink created by Jade Chang Sheppard showcases fermented water kefir, blending health benefits with refreshing tastes.
4. Noodo - Liana Krasnow's premium pasta sauces appeal to gourmet enthusiasts looking for quality and authenticity in their culinary experiences.
5. Veggie Vice - Founded by Riddhima Kapoor, this innovative brand offers freeze-dried veggie chips, transforming healthy snacking into an exciting adventure.

The judges for this illustrious event include:

• - Kim Lawton, CEO of Enthuse Marketing and Co-Founder of the Enthuse Foundation;
• - Heidi Dillon, CEO and Founder of Bloom Talent Studio;
• - Diana Franco, SVP at Women.NYC;
• - Nicole Angel, Founder of Angel Ventures.

Kim Lawton emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “The founders on our stage have already proven that people want what they’re making. Too often, this is exactly the moment the rest of the system says 'not yet.' At the Enthuse Foundation, we say yes.” The occasion promises a blend of inspiration and opportunity, facilitating networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. For attendees who have supported women founders—whether through donations, mentorship, or belief—this event serves as a celebration of achievements.

The Pitch Night functions as a vital platform for emerging entrepreneurs, enabling them to pitch their ideas in front of a live audience composed of influential investors and supporters in the field. This year’s presented pitches will compete for a prize package exceeding $100,000, aimed at accelerating their growth.

Founded with the purpose of backing women CPG founders, the Enthuse Foundation has invested over $1 million in cash and services to support women-owned businesses through its pitch competitions and grant programs.

The sponsors for this event include notable names such as Enthuse Marketing and Diageo, who are committed to boosting female representation in entrepreneurship. As the evening unfolds, participants can enjoy cocktails and networking, leading into the highly anticipated live pitches beginning at 7 PM.

For more information and ticket purchase, visit Enthuse Foundation's event page.

The Enthuse Foundation continues to empower women entrepreneurs at a pivotal stage in their business development. By ensuring access to critical resources and support, the Foundation opens doors to opportunities that inspire growth, innovation, and success in the entrepreneurial landscape.