Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Sky Foundation has announced the 2025 Women’s Small Business Cohort Pitch Competition, aligning with National Small Business Week. This initiative is tailored for women entrepreneurs, offering a chance to win up to $25,000 to boost their businesses and enhance community impact.

The foundation's commitment to empowering women through economic initiatives is evident in this program. The focus of the 2025 cohort is on supporting Chicago-based business owners who show innovation, leadership, and dedication to their communities.

Eight finalists will embark on a four-week journey involving growth, mentorship, and business development. Each finalist will be paired with corporate and government experts for guidance in scaling their business and refining their pitch. The program concludes with a live pitch event judged by prominent women business leaders from Chicago in July.

“When we elevate the potential of our city’s women small business owners, it’s about more than economic growth,” said Executive Director of the Chicago Sky Foundation Awvee Storey. “It’s about creating sustainable opportunities that uplift families and transform communities.”

Additionally, the Chicago Sky will host a Women’s Empowerment Panel on June 17 for women small business owners seeking insights on resources and networking. The panel will feature Diane Primo as keynote speaker and be moderated by ABC7’s Jamine Minor. Other panelists include Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, City Clerk Anna Valencia, and 11th Ward Alderman Nicole Lee.

Applications for the pitch competition are due by May 27, 2025.

For more information about the Pitch Competition and Women’s Empowerment Panel, please visit the foundation's website.

The Chicago Sky was founded in 2005 as an independently owned women's professional basketball team in the WNBA. They play at Wintrust Arena with seasons running from May through September.