Showcasing some of the best female-led start-ups and SME's
Join the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, NatWest and British Business Bank for the Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition.
This event will aim to showcase some of the best female-led start-ups and SME’s pitching their ideas live to an investor panel and room of investors, including Mercia Asset Management, Midven and SFC Capital.
As well as being able to directly pitch their business to funds actively looking to invest in businesses in the region, one business will be named as the panel’s “One to Watch” and winner of the competition.
In addition to observing live pitches, attendees will also learn what investors really look for when investing in new companies. Following the competition there will be a networking session with angel investors and VCs in attendance. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and interact with fellow entrepreneurs and investors in an engaging format.
- To qualify to pitch to the panel, businesses must be female founded or co-founded, based in the West Midlands and demonstrate clear growth potential. Click here to apply.
According to The Gender Index, just 3.29% of West Midlands-based female-led companies have attracted angel investment in the West Midlands in 2025 so far, down from 7% in 2024 (at 1st July 2025). This is despite the fact that the West Midlands has the highest proportion of female-led companies in the UK.
The Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition is delivered in partnership with the NatWest West Midlands Women in Business Taskforce: a meeting of collaborators to discuss, design and then deliver tangible outputs to ‘move the dial’ on blockers and challenges currently facing female founders in our region.
Attend for:
- Support the region’s leading start-ups and women business leaders
- Learn what investors really look for when investing in new companies
- Network with competitors, delegates, angel investors and VCs
Aimed at:
- Ambitious women led enterprises
- Investors and VCs
- Those with an interest in supporting, and ability to support, female entrepreneurship and business growth
Meet the panel of investors:
Meet the judging panel:
- Christina French, ESSENCH
- Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley, Funding Hero
- Sharonjit Claire
Panellists:
- Alison Bradley, Central Finance
- Jon Gamble, Innovate UK Edge
- TBC, Mercia Asset Mnagement
Finalists:
To Be Announced
Apply to pitch:
If you are a woman leading an ambitious start-up or SME based in the West Midlands you can apply to pitch by completing this form here by no later than the 17th September.
Our event partners:
- The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
The Chamber are here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses. Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise their profile, we’re here to give local business the tools to reach their full potential. Join the GBCC today to become part of a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.
- NatWest Accelerator
The NatWest Accelerator is our thriving community for entrepreneurs providing a range of support for business to grow.
As Britian’s biggest bank for startups, NatWest’s Accelerator is recognised as a leading entrepreneurial network for businesses across the UK, working in collaboration with local and regional partners to identify ways to stimulate strong and sustainable SME growth.
Underpinned by our NatWest Accelerator app, it’ll empower you to grow your business whenever you need it, virtually or at one of our 12 physical hubs across the UK.
- The British Business Bank
The British Business Bank is the UK’s economic development bank. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. We work with more than 200 delivery partners to deliver funding programmes that address existing gaps in the market. We also inform and guide smaller businesses. Alongside signposting the finance options available, we provide relevant business information on more than just finance, ranging from managing your business, to dealing with debt and preparing for growth.
Agenda
- 17:00 Arrivals & Networking
- 17:30 Welcome & introductions (hosted by Deb Leary)
- 17:40 Chat with a past participant (hosted by Harinder Kunor)
- 18:00 Introduction to Judges & Finalists
- 18:05 Pitches
- 19:05 Fireside Chat: Advice & Insight (hosted by Tracy Sherratt
- 19:25 Winner Announcement
- 19:30 Networking
- 20:00 Close
Speakers:
- Deb Leary, Innovate UK Edge
- Harinder Kunor, NatWest
- Tracy Sherratt, British Business Bank
- Alison Bradley, Central Finance
- Jon Gamble, Innovate UK Edge
Drinks and light refreshments will be available.
Please note: by applying for a place to attend, you accept that your details will be shared with NatWest for reporting purposes only.
All genders are welcome to register their interest to attend.
Due to capacity constraints, we cannot guarantee a place at this event and will confirm to those who have secured a place by the end of October.
Event Sponsors
