Pro-women entrepreneur development group She Leads Africa has announced a $10,000 prize winning pitch competition for African women entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 35 who are based in ECOWAS countries or the diaspora.

Spokesperson for the group Jennifer Ehidiamen stated that application for the competition closes July 30, 10 selected finalists would emerge 15th of August and on August 18,they will be assigned to professional mentors to help restructure their business ideas and develop pitch decks.

A pre-event rehearsal will be organized on the 19th with Etisalat Nigeria Chairman Hakeem Bello-Osagie; CEO InVivo Partners Ngozi Edozien and Standard Chartered Bank CEO Bola Adesola, being the judges.

Participating companies must have been in operation for less than 3years with a live product in the market, must have received less than $50,000 in funding and only a female founding member is eligible to represent the pitching companies.

Bumper package!

She Leads Africa revealed that in addition to the $10,000 cash prize for the winner and $5,000 for second place, the 1st place winner will receive non-financial support such as access to prominent venture capitalists, angel investors and other leading professionals to act as mentors and sponsors; consultation on brand development with Etisalat in-house marketing team; free business line for one year (including voice and data).

See Also: Free Entrepreneurship Workshop: Fundamentals of Business Start-Up and Administration

Also, the 1st prize winner will have two meetings with legal advisor from top law firm to discuss incorporation, corporate structures and copyrights; meeting with 2 executive directors of a leading merchant bank to discuss business plans and fund raising; 6 month access to Capital Square co-working space and interviews with major media outlets.