Empowering Entrepreneurs: Sarah Jakes Roberts and Wells Fargo Launch Innovative Capital Pitch Competition

Empowering Entrepreneurs: Mind Your Business Capital Pitch Competition

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship, Sarah Jakes Roberts' Woman Evolve, in collaboration with Wells Fargo, announced the launch of the Mind Your Business Capital Pitch Competition. This exciting program was unveiled during the Mind Your Business Luncheon, a pivotal event of the Women Evolve 2025 conference held in Atlanta.

The competition aims to empower early-stage small business owners with a total of $75,000 in non-dilutive capital. Three stellar winners will benefit from $25,000 each, along with vital financial coaching, mentorship, and enhanced visibility to facilitate their growth. Applications for the competition will open in September 2025.

Sarah Jakes Roberts, a renowned author and business leader, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative, saying, "We're not just funding businesses; we're fueling belief in owners who are reshaping the landscape of leadership, innovation, and impact." This initiative reflects the potent intersection of faith, finance, and future-forward entrepreneurial thinking, aiming to inspire a new wave of business leaders.

The announcement took place amidst a vibrant atmosphere at State Farm Arena, as attendees engaged with industry visionaries and creators. Alongside Roberts was Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest, who participated in a dynamic discussion on legacy, risk-taking, and visionary strategies for success. The luncheon drew a diverse crowd of women, from corporate practitioners to creative disruptors, all congregated under the enduring theme: "Turning Lemons into Lemonade."

Wells Fargo's involvement in the initiative highlights their commitment to supporting economic development and uplifting communities through entrepreneurship. Gigi Dixon, Wells Fargo's head of External Engagement, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "This is an opportunity to provide tangible resources to aspiring business owners, and we're excited to accomplish this with Woman Evolve."

The winners of the pitch competition will be recognized later this year, during a national event in Chicago, where they will also be inducted into the Inner Circle Series—a new mentorship initiative tailored for founders under the Woman Evolve banner.

With its seventh annual conference, Woman Evolve is making a significant economic impact in Atlanta, projecting to generate around $35 million in local activity, adding to a previous total of $70 million across its past venues. The organization continues to expand its reach, aiming to create a robust platform for women through various means of expression, including bestselling books, podcasts, and curated live experiences.

Notable speakers at the Woman Evolve 2025 conference include high-profile influencers in various fields, such as Christine Caine, Dr. Anita Phillips, and Touré Roberts, all committed to providing women with the necessary tools for self-empowerment and growth.

Jakes Roberts' mission through Woman Evolve is to inspire women to embark on a purposeful journey of spiritual and personal evolution—a vision that resonates deeply and welcomes women to embrace their fullest potential.

For more information about the Mind Your Business Capital Pitch Competition and other empowering initiatives, stay tuned as applications will launch soon, promising a future filled with inspiration and possibilities for aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide.