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Spring 2023 | Edible Cleveland, "Legacy of Les Dames"

Feb. 2020 | Currents, "Les Dames d'Escoffier women thrive in the culinary industry"

Support our Grants & Scholarships

Pitch Competition | Saturday, August 23, 2025

Applications Due July 15

Les Dames d ’Escoffier International (LDEI) Cleveland Chapter is holding its third annual business pitch competition for female entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, or hospitality industries operating in Northeast Ohio. Both women-owned start-up businesses and established businesses are eligible to apply. Only non-members of LDEI may apply (although we would love to have you apply to join LDEI, if eligible, after the competition is over!).

If you are selected as a finalist, you will make an in-person, 15-minute pitch to our judges at the Cleveland Garlic Festival in Shaker Square on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 4:00 pm where winners will be selected.

Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st ($3,000) 2nd ($2,000) and 3rd ($1,000) place winners, and all finalists will also receive an opportunity to promote their products and services at a North Union Farmer’s Market booth in August, sponsored by the USDA.

APPLY by July 15, 2025

To apply, please email the following information to Britt-Marie Horrocks, Chapter President at brittmariehorrocks@gmail.com AND Destiny Burns, Pitch Competition Chair at destiny@cleurbanwinery.com:

• Completed and Signed Application Form (download below)
• A copy of your business’s Vendor’s License
• A copy of your business’s W-9

You will be notified no later than July 28, 2025 of the results of your application or finalist selection.

See previous year's winners here.

About LDEI: We are a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Our membership is highly diversified (with 2,400 members in 44 chapters across the USA, Canada, UK, Mexico, and Italy) and reflects the fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. We support our communities through grants, scholarships, and mentorship. Prospective members must have at least five years of relevant industry experience to apply to become a Dame.

We welcome donations in any amount to support these efforts! THANK YOU!