WomanUp & Pitch 2026 — Statewide Food Competition (LIVE In-Person)

Michigan’s most delicious pitch competition is here.

Join MWF for a special in-person, statewide edition of WomanUp & Pitch, spotlighting women food entrepreneurs from across Michigan as they pitch their businesses live — and serve up samples of their products — at Schoolcraft College.

This high-energy event brings together bold founders, expert judges, and a live audience for an evening that celebrates innovation, culture, and the power of women-owned food businesses.

WomanUp & Pitch is MWF’s annual pitch competition series, awarding cash prizes to women entrepreneurs while giving them a platform to share their stories, sharpen their pitches, and grow their businesses.

The Statewide Food Competition is a unique, live experience focused exclusively on food-based businesses — from packaged goods to prepared foods — with tasting built right in.

• Live pitches from women food entrepreneurs representing communities across Michigan
• Samples of every food business competing (included with your ticket)
• Expert feedback from a panel of respected judges
• Cash prizes awarded to top pitches
• Networking with entrepreneurs, supporters, and ecosystem partners

• Shardaira Jones – Rev Luxury Juice Bar
• Lisa Knight – SIDEZ
• Alicia LaZette – Rebel Pizza and Brews
• Bola Okpue – Wani Cakes
• Yuktha Pulavarthi – macaronza!
• Doreen Gardner – Papa's Brittle
• Ladonna Girty – The Slush Queen
• Keirsten Johnson – Kookies by Keirsten
• Myra Thomas – LIvy's Sweet Rolls

This year’s competition will be evaluated by an accomplished panel of leaders in food, education, and economic development:

• Mamba Hamissi – Owner, Baobab Fare
• Tiffany Vargas-Cruz – Schoolcraft College
• Angela Thompkins – Consumers Energy Foundation

$15 General Admission
Your ticket includes:

• Entry to the live competition
• Samples from all competing food businesses

Space is limited — advance registration is strongly encouraged.

📍 Location: Schoolcraft College, Livonia
📅 Event: WomanUp & Pitch – Statewide Food Competition
👩‍🍳 Who Should Attend: Food lovers, entrepreneurs, funders, community leaders, and anyone passionate about supporting women-owned businesses

Come hungry. Leave inspired.
Secure your seat and taste what Michigan’s women food entrepreneurs are building next.

Want to catch more WomanUp & Pitch competitions?
Explore our upcoming LIVE online events:

• — February 10, 2026
• — February 17, 2026
• — February 24, 2026

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher MWF