INDIANAPOLIS - s4story -- The Startup Ladies are now accepting applications for the Top 9 at the 4th Annual #InvestInWomenFounders Summit, happening Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Skyline Club in downtown Indianapolis.

The Top 9 program selects nine women and nonbinary founders to receive immersive training and one-on-one mentorship through The Startup Ladies Accelerator. The program culminates at the #InvestInWomenFounders Summit, where each founder will participate in an Oprah-style interview in front of investors, entrepreneurs, and executives. These conversations cover key pitch content in a personal, engaging format, allowing the audience to ask questions, connect with founders, and discover investment-ready women-owned startups. Interviewers—experienced founders and senior executives—actively open doors for participants and, in some cases, invest themselves.

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Summit Highlights
The event opens with a panel of past Top 9 alumni who have successfully raised capital through The Startup Ladies, moderated by Rhaya Shilts, Owner of Jackson Sky Creative, providing inspiration and proof of impact.

2025 Summit Agenda:

• Noon: Guest arrival, check-in, buffet lunch, visit with founders
• 12:30 pm: Formal welcome & table conversations
• 1:15 pm: Panel discussion with past Top 9 success stories
• 2:00–3:45 pm: "Fund the Founder!" breakout sessions
• 5:00 pm: Cocktail reception
• 6:00 pm: Wrap up

Each Top 9 finalist receives a benefits package valued at $7,500, including training, mentorship, a Summit ticket, and a display table. There is no cost for founders to apply. Applications close Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Apply to be a Top 9 Founder: https://forms.gle/rhwhvta7MzxW5T2W9
Summit webpage: https://www.thestartupladies.org/2025summit

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How the Top 9 Are Selected
A subcommittee of The Startup Ladies Board reviews applications based on:

• Women-owned or nonbinary-owned company
• Founder's track record and industry expertise
• Clear problem definition and solution
• Scalable business model with defined market
• Evidence of traction (funding, revenue, or customer demand)
• Potential for social impact

Note: For-profit companies only; nonprofits are not eligible.

Why the Summit Matters
The #InvestInWomenFounders Summit connects founders with investors and corporate leaders who can accelerate growth. Entrepreneurs gain mentorship, stage visibility, audience engagement, and direct investor access. Investors and corporate partners discover vetted, investment-ready women-owned startups, and members have already raised over $1 million through The Startup Ladies' investor network.

About The Startup Ladies
The Startup Ladies is a professional membership organization educating, connecting, and funding women entrepreneurs. We help founders scale, secure funding, and build networks with executives and investors to grow thriving, inclusive businesses. All genders welcome.