Past finalist urges women entrepreneurs to enter Chamber pitch competition before deadline closes
Female founders and entrepreneurs across Greater Birmingham are being urged to apply for this year's Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition before applications close next week - with a past finalist crediting the initiative with transforming her business.
Pamela Aculey (pictured), founder of MIXD Reality - an augmented reality children's storytelling company - was a finalist in the 2024 competition, run by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in partnership with NatWest.
She said advice from one of the judges proved to be a turning point for her business.
“One of the judges left me with such valuable insight,” Pamela said.
“She said to me, 'you've got such a great product, but you really need to know your numbers. You're really passionate about your business, and that comes across, but you really need to sell it, and to sell it, you really need to know your numbers.'
“That bit of advice literally skyrocketed my business, because when I started speaking to investors or partners, I was armed with all this information.”
Since taking part in the competition, MIXD Reality has launched two further products, won three grants to support its research and development, secured investment, and picked up industry awards.
Pamela said the experience taught her a lesson she believes is common among entrepreneurs.
She adds; “We are so good at knowing what a problem is and finding a solution.
“We can articulate it really well. The passion and inspiration comes through naturally. But I think what a lot of us lack is that business acumen.”
Encouraging other women-led businesses to apply for this year’s competition, Pamela said the value goes far beyond the pitch itself, adding: “You could have the best idea in the world, but it's not going to come to fruition if people don't know that you exist and why you exist.
"You never know who's in the audience. One of the people in the audience actually became a client of mine.
“It's not about the trophy at the end of the day – that’s the icing on the cake. It's a great opportunity to showcase your business, pitch practice, and build your confidence.”
She added that the benefits often continue long after the competition itself, from networking conversations to media exposure as a finalist.
“There are so many advantages for that 10 minutes of nervousness,” she said.
“I think it's totally worth it.”
Applications for the 2026 Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition close on Wednesday 30 September.
