Two women-led brands are joining forces to search for the latest innovators in self-care, technology, and wellness.

Kim Crawford Wines — the No. 1 Sauvignon Blanc and leading New Zealand wine brand in the U.S. — has announced a new partnership with non-profit Black Girl Ventures (BGV), the largest pitch program for Black and brown women in the world.

The BGV x Kim Crawford Wines Pitch Competition is a national crowdfunding virtual pitch competition that will promote women working to bring their dreams to life while reiterating the two brands’ shared values of not only empowering female trailblazers but celebrating self-confidence every step of the way.

“We’re excited to partner with Kim Crawford Wines to make this pitch competition possible,” said Shelly Bell, Founder, and CEO of Black Girl Ventures in an official news release. “This collaboration will create access to capital for Black and brown women-identifying founders, and will also connect them to community and professionals to support them on their journey. It’s an honor for us to work with a globally recognized partner like Kim Crawford Wines to help bring awareness and support to these innovative female founders.”

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Vice President of Strategy at Kim Crawford Wines, Liz Harris, tells AfroTech that the partnership is on a mission to amplify BGV’s incredible work while also accelerating underrepresented founders.

“We are also excited to connect our fans with BGV’s incredibly inspiring community and network who are already making such an impact. As the number one New Zealand wine brand in the US, we want to use our brand platform for good,” said Harris. “Ultimately, this partnership exists for these female founders, and we hope that they feel the support and empowerment of both Kim Crawford and BGV behind them every step of the way.”

She also gives us insight into how this isn’t your average pitch competition.

“The BGV Pitch Competition flips the traditional pitch experience on its head: we coach entrepreneurs, host a live crowdfunded pitch competition, then connect them to community and professionals to support them on their journey,” continued Harris.

The competition will be held on March 11 and eight finalists will present their business concepts to a panel of judges that are made up of business experts and industry leaders at the BGV x Kim Crawford Wines Pitch Competition.

Attendees will also be afforded the opportunity to tune in and listen to each pitch, submit their votes, and make donations through SheRaise, BGV’s tech platform.

Participants will receive pre-seed funding for their business based on viewer donations which are open now through March 17.

For more information on how to join and support, click here.

Kim Crawford Wines

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