Stacy's Pita Chips to empower Women Entrepreneurs in 2024

Stacy's® Pita Chips, recognized for its unwavering support of female entrepreneurs, is expanding its efforts to encourage women entrepreneurs with the introduction of the 2024 Stacy's Rise Project. Despite the presence of one million female entrepreneurs in Canada, these enterprises earn just 4% of venture capital investment.

To remedy this gap, the brand has increased the amount of Canadian beneficiaries and financing. Five outstanding founders will each get a $25,000 prize, as well as essential mentorship and community tools.

The Stacy's Rise Project, a first for Canada, launched applications last year in collaboration with the Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC). In 2023, the initiative recognized and sponsored four exceptional Canadian female creators from diverse locations, allowing them to join the renowned group of Stacy's Rise Project winners in North America.

"Stacy's Rise Project offers an opportunity to make goals a reality," Carolyn Simon, CEO of Choose Life Foods and one of the 2023 Canadian winners, said. Simon stressed the importance of the funding and mentoring in handling the problems of post-pandemic trends and inflation.

The 2024 Stacy's Rise Project is now taking submissions until December 15, and it will help female entrepreneurs from around the United States and Canada. The project will award 10 winners in the United States and five in Canada, each with a $25,000 grant, mentorship from Frito Lay and PepsiCo executives, and access to a network of powerful women.

PepsiCo Foods Canada's Chief Marketing Officer, Jess Spaulding, acknowledged the company's delight in continuing to assist female businesses. Stacy's Pita Chips is committed to encouraging female entrepreneurship, having invested over $1 million in 60+ women-owned businesses since 2017.