AHIG Innovative FSN Competition | Empower the Future 2025
Overview
The AHIG Innovative FSN Competition: Empower the Future 2025 is a pitch contest created to uplift and accelerate Black- and Brown-owned start‑ups that have demonstrated traction and are ready to scale. If your business has been operating for at least two years and generates between $25,000 and $500,000 in annual revenue, this is your opportunity to showcase your innovation, gain expert feedback, and compete for cash prizes and ongoing mentorship.
Why Participate?
- Funding
Compete for a Grand Prize of $98,000 in funding to fuel your next phase of growth. - Mentorship
Receive one‑on‑one guidance from seasoned industry experts who can help you refine your go‑to‑market strategy, optimize operations, and prepare for future investment rounds. - Networking
Connect with a diverse community of investors, fellow entrepreneurs, and ecosystem supporters dedicated to fostering underrepresented founders. - Visibility
Elevate your brand across multiple channels—press outlets, investor networks, and industry partners—positioning your company for lasting exposure.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the FSN Competition, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Ownership & Demographic
- Black‑ or Brown‑owned business (i.e., at least 51% owned and controlled by founders who identify as Black or Brown).
- Business Stage & Revenue
- In operation for at least two years as of the application date.
- Generating annual revenue between $25,000 and $500,000.
- Innovation & Market Need
- Offering a unique solution or product that addresses a clear market gap or customer pain point.
- Demonstrated potential for scalable impact within its target industry.
How to Apply
- Submit Your Application Form
- Complete the online application by Friday, June 13, 2025.
- Provide basic business information, including financial highlights and founding team bios.
- Prepare a Compelling Pitch Deck
- Craft a succinct FSN Competition deck (5–10 slides) that covers:
- Problem Statement & Market Opportunity
- Your Innovative Solution
- Business Model & Revenue Drivers
- Traction & Key Metrics to Date
- Go‑to‑Market Strategy & Use of Funds
- Team Experience & Roles
- Craft a succinct FSN Competition deck (5–10 slides) that covers:
- Be Prepared to Present
- Selected semifinalists will be invited to a live interview (virtual or in‑person) in late June 2025.
- Finalists will pitch in person before a panel of judges at the Industry City event on July 16, 2025.
Important Deadline:
All application materials, including your pitch deck, must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST on Friday, June 13, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Prizes & Benefits
- Grand Prize (1 Winner):
- $98,000 in Cash Funding
- Six‑Month Mentorship Package with AHIG’s Investor Advisory Board (tailored one‑on‑one sessions)
- Silver Prizes (2 Runners‑Up):
- $25,000 in Funding each
- Three‑Month Mentorship Package focused on scaling operations
- Bronze Prizes (3 Honorable Mentions):
- $10,000 in Funding each
- Access to Group Workshops on fundraising and growth strategy
All finalists will also receive ongoing access to AHIG’s curated online resource library, which includes templates for financial models, investor‑ready pitch decks, and marketing playbooks.
Event Details
- Date:
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Location:
Industry City
220 36th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 - Agenda (Tentative):
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Registration & Networking Breakfast
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Semifinalist Pitches (In‑Person Panel)
- 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch & Mentor Speed Rounds
- 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Finalist Pitches & Judging
- 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Awards Ceremony & Closing Reception
All finalists must be available for the full day. Virtual attendance options for early rounds may be arranged on a case‑by‑case basis.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Application Opens: April 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
- Semifinalist Notifications: June 25, 2025
- Finalist Pitch Prep: July 1–July 15, 2025
- Competition & Awards: July 16, 2025
Contact & Additional Resources
- Questions?
Email us at fsn@ahiggrants.com. Our team is available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST to answer any application or eligibility inquiries. - Program FAQs & Templates
Download sample pitch decks, review judging rubrics, and access frequently asked questions at
www.ahiggrants.com/fsn‑competition. - Upcoming Info Sessions
- May 12, 2025 – 2:00 PM EDT (Virtual)
- June 2, 2025 – 6:00 PM EDT (In‑Person at TechSquare, Minneapolis)
Register in advance via our website to secure your spot.
Why This Matters
The AHIG Innovative FSN Competition is more than just a pitch contest—it’s a celebration of underrepresented entrepreneurship and a springboard for transformative ideas that can reshape communities. By spotlighting Black- and Brown-owned ventures, AHIG reaffirms its commitment to equitable access to capital, expert mentorship, and strategic networks that drive real business growth.
If you’re ready to empower the future of your industry, amplify your impact, and join a supportive community of like-minded innovators, we encourage you to apply today.
🔗 Apply Now → FSN Competition Application Portal
Deadline to Apply: Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. Don’t miss your chance to shine!