* The new event registration page can be found here *
This special edition of VC Fast Pitch will feature women founders pitching women investors and investors actively supporting women founders on Thursday July 10th at 1pm eastern time via zoom.
We are excited to partner with EmpowHERment on the special event. 100% of ticket sales, sponsorships and donations will be donated to this amazing organization.
This exclusive event will feature graduates of the EmpowHERment Entrepreneur Academy, a transformative program that equips women with the tools, confidence, and community to turn bold ideas into thriving businesses. With two academy cohorts offered each year and additional business development initiatives including hands-on workshops and mastermind-style support, EmpowHERment is building a sustainable pipeline of capable, visionary women founders.
These incredible women are stepping into the spotlight to pitch their established businesses to a panel of women investors and allies who are intentionally investing in female-led companies. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about viability and long-term growth.
Why Attend or Sponsor?
Because supporting women in business isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. This is more than a pitch event; it’s a statement that equity and innovation go hand in hand. Your involvement helps fund real programs that fuel financial, mental, and emotional self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship. Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations go directly to EmpowHERment, amplifying the impact of their Entrepreneur Academy, upcoming mentorship certification program (20+ hours of guided mentor/mentee experience), and other life-changing resources for women. https://www.empowherment.org/mentorship
Perks for Founders:
Presenters are eligible for cash prizes, professional services, and strategic introductions to help scale their businesses. This is a milestone moment for those ready to grow—and a chance for the community to invest where it matters most.
Why It Matters:
EmpowHERment is honored to partner with Scott Kelly and Black Dog Venture Partners, longtime advocates for innovation and capital access. Scott is also a proud member of He Supports HER, a growing network of male allies who believe in the power of inclusive economic empowerment. Together, we’re showing that when women rise, we all rise.
Hosted by Black Dog Venture Partners
Black Dog Venture Partners is a business accelerator that provides access to funding though our network of 13,000 investors, business development though our network of 40,000 business partners, sales/marketing and executive coaching services for disruptive companies. We also host our VC Fast Pitch Events that connect startups with the nations top investors. We invite you to review our site and learn more about our team, our services and our portfolio companies.
Over the last 12 years we have hosted 60 plus VC Fast Pitch events around the country raising over $100 million for entrepreneurs.
Agenda
- Opening remarks from Scott Kelly and investor introductions
- 5 minute company presentations followed by 5 minutes of questions from investor panel
- Special guest presentations
- 1 minute fast pitches.
- Fireside chat and Q&A with investor panel
- Closing remarks
Learn More About the Academy:
The EmpowHERment Entrepreneur Academy is an intensive 8-week program designed for women ready to bring a business idea to life—no previous experience required. Participants dive into the essentials of entrepreneurship, exploring everything from ideation and startup strategies to financial planning, branding, and market analysis. The curriculum covers key concepts like identifying a beachhead market, crafting a compelling value proposition, mapping the customer journey, and building a business model using the Business Model Canvas.
By the end of the program, founders are equipped not only with the tools and structure to launch but with the confidence to pitch their business clearly and effectively. The Academy isn’t just a class—it’s a launchpad for sustainable, women-led businesses with community, mentorship, and practical know-how at its core.