The Halifax-based Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society is launching a pitch competition for black female entrepreneurs with the help of a $52,920 grant from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Founded in 2020, the Blk Women in Excellence Society engages in political advocacy, but also offers support and training programs for entrepreneurs, including its 16-week flagship startup accelerator, Blk Business Baddies.

The organization is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Tia Upshaw, who has run businesses in fields ranging from cleaning services to online retail. So far, her non-profit has worked with 57 entrepreneurs in various capacities.

The pitch competition will be dubbed Let’s Pitch It: Building Success for Black Women Entrepreneurs, with participants receiving feedback and coaching, and the winner taking away both a cash prize and a package of support services.

“We are in a position as Black women to become independent, educated, self-sustainable business owners and the best way to celebrate is to pitch your business!” said Tia Upshaw in a statement. “It's a beautiful day to be a Black woman.”