Young Women Entrepreneurs Take the Stage at GWI’s IGNITE! Venture Competition
Innovative Business Ventures Earn Cash Prizes of $1,000, $750, & $500.
For Immediate Release
Greenwich, CT一Girls With Impact (GWI) is proud to announce the winners of its 2024 IGNITE! Venture Competition, which showcased groundbreaking ventures developed by talented young women ready to lead the future of business. From empowering women globally to creating inclusive workspaces and affordable dining solutions, this year’s competition was nothing short of inspiring.
1st Place – Nafisat Abdulkadir, Debrecen, Hungary; Founder of Empower Her
Nafisat claimed the top prize of $1,000 for her organization, Empower Her, a non-governmental initiative designed to ignite potential in young girls and women across the globe. Empower Her works to create opportunities for women to thrive without fear or deprivation, focusing on women’s rights and spreading awareness. The organization’s mission is to help women reach their fullest potential and ensure their voices are heard.
Nafisat explains the impact of Empower Her in her business pitch
2nd Place – Isabella Zapata, New York, NY; Founder of Oasis
Isabella earned the second-place prize of $750 with her venture, Oasis, a shared workspace specifically designed for women, particularly mothers who work from home. Oasis offers its members a professional, open-layout workspace and goes beyond the traditional coworking space by integrating wellness and childcare services.
An architectural prototype of Isabella’s venture, Oasis
“I learned so much about what goes into creating a proper business,” said Isabella. “At the start, there were many new vocabulary words, diagrams, and projects that took time to learn and understand, but now after submitting the final project, I have learned the importance of each of them.”
3rd Place – Aadya Upreti, San Jose, CA; Founder of BudgetBite
Taking third place and a $500 prize, Aadya introduced BudgetBite, a free app dedicated to helping users find cheap, local eats while supporting small businesses. Whether you’re a budgeting university student, a traveler, or just someone looking for a quick bite, BudgetBite connects you to the most affordable options nearby.
Judging Criteria
The ventures were judged based on seven key criteria:
• Business Description: Clear explanation of the venture and its offerings.
• Market Analysis: Understanding of the target market and customer needs.
• Creativity: Demonstration of unique and innovative approaches.
• Feasibility: Proof that the venture can be successfully implemented.
• Growth Potential: Assessment of whether the venture can expand and scale.
• Operations: Plan for how the product or service will be delivered and sustained.
• Presentation: Overall impact and delivery of the presentation.
GWI CEO Jennifer Openshaw praised the winners, saying, “The innovation and passion we’ve seen in this year’s IGNITE! Venture Competition is a testament to what young women are capable of when given the tools and guidance to succeed. Nafisat, Isabella, and Aadya are shining examples of the next generation of female leaders who are not only creating businesses, but also driving social change.”
How to Join the GWI Academy
Girls With Impact is committed to equipping young women with the skills, confidence, and tools they need to lead in business and beyond. If you’re ready to develop your own business idea and compete in the next IGNITE! Venture Competition, enroll in the GWI Academy today.
Visit girlswithimpact.org to learn more and take the first step toward shaping your future.
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Contact:
Emily Adji
emily.adji@girlswithimpact.org
203-314-4011