HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the Pennsylvania Chapters of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) yesterday announced a Business Plan Competition for women business owners in Pennsylvania.

The competition will showcase emerging businesses and will celebrate female entrepreneurship.

“We are thrilled to work with NAWBO PA to offer women business owners in our state this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Sue Schick, Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. “As a commission, we are committed to supporting and empowering female entrepreneurs, as they play a significant role in our state’s economic success.”

The Business Plan Competition is open to women business owners in Pennsylvania who started their business on or after January 1, 2012. Through an application and interview process, NAWBO Greater Pittsburgh, NAWBO Greater Philadelphia and NAWBO Northeast PA, will each select one finalist to compete at the 2014 Women’s Mentorship Symposium on Sept. 30, 2014, in Pittsburgh.

Finalists will present fast-pitch business plans to a panel of three judges, including: Lori Greiner, the “warm blooded shark”™ on the hit entrepreneurial business show “Shark Tank” on ABC; Julia Hearthway, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; and Renee Amoore, founder and president of The Amoore Group, Inc.

“NAWBO’s mission includes strengthening the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development. We are proud to partner with the Pennsylvania Commission for Women to offer this incredible opportunity to emerging women business owners in our state,” said Julie Smith, President of NAWBO Greater Philadelphia. “We encourage all eligible business owners to compete for the chance to transform and advance their company.”

Each of the three finalists will receive a one year NAWBO membership or renewal. The winning business owner will receive a $10,000 cash prize to assist in the implementation of their business plan. The competition is financed through private fundraising efforts.

Eligible business owners must submit an “Intent to Compete” form by Thursday, Aug. 14. For additional information on the Business Plan Competition, including the rules and application process, please visit www.nawbopabizplancomp.org.

The Pennsylvania Commission for Women is the commonwealth’s official advocate agency for women. Its mission is to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of Pennsylvania’s women and girls; to inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential. The work of the commission is focused primarily in the areas of economic development, mentorship, and civic engagement.

The Business Plan Competition is part of the 2014 Women’s Mentorship Symposium: Paying It Forward, hosted by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. The event will take place at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in Pittsburgh on Sept. 30, 2014. Additional information about the symposium is available online at www.pa.gov/commissionforwomen.