KeyBank ranked No. 22 on the Fair360 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2023.
KeyBank’s Key4Women program partnered with Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) and the Portland Thorns FC to host a business pitch contest for women-owned businesses. While cash awards total $50,000, the grand prize winner will receive $20,000.
Start-ups and existing businesses in specific Oregon and Washington counties are eligible to apply. The businesses must be 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women.
“Women business owners and leaders positively impact our economy and communities in powerful ways every day,” said Rachael Sampson, National Director of Key4Women. “Key4Women is on a mission to advocate, connect and empower them to thrive. MESO and the Portland Thorns are great co-sponsors in this endeavor, and through this pitch contest we look forward to offering two critical supports women-owned businesses often struggle to find or ask for: mentorship and capital.”
Winners will be chosen based on the quality of their presentation, clarity of business vision and mission, the economic impact of the idea, and the value proposition’s soundness. All applicants can receive mentoring after the contest.
