Rare Beauty Brands (RBB), which currently incubates Patchology and Plant Apothecary, has partnered with Black Girl Ventures (BGV) to create a national crowdfunding pitch event for Black and Brown woman-identifying founders in the beauty industry. Citing research from the University of California at Santa Cruz that shows as many as 40 percent of Black-owned businesses have shuttered as a result of the pandemic, this new virtual competition aims to uplift underrepresented groups.

Applicants are now being accepted through October 16. To qualify, applicants must own at least 51 percent of their business, be located in the U.S., still be in the startup phase and identify as a Black or Brown woman. BGV and RBB will select eight candidates who will present during a virtual pitch competition slated for November 17. Finalists will have three minutes to pitch, followed by a two-minute Q&A from a panel of beauty industry professionals and celebrities. Finally, on November 24, the pitch competition will be streamed online, and America will be invited to vote and make financial contributions in support of their favorite pitch via SheRaise, BGV’s tech platform.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes, business mentorship with RBB leadership, as well as access to the BGV Connect Incubator, which provides educational resources such as workshops and feedback sessions, as well as business development resources including virtual co-working sessions and funding opportunities.

For more information or to apply, please click here.