Education is one of the core principles of the Enthuse Foundation. Our co-founders Kim Lawton and Kristy Snyder (a former teacher) noticed a void in the numerous professional organizations supporting women business leaders.
“While there are a growing number of organizations and incubators offering financing and mentorships to women-owned businesses, we found that few, if any, provided constructive feedback on why a company wasn’t selected for their program, Kim said. “We realized that it wasn’t what women entrepreneurs were saying, but perhaps, what they weren’t saying was preventing them from getting to the next round.
This concept continues to drive Enthuse Foundation’s work, and every Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition applicant gets the opportunity to receive feedback on their application.
Regina Trillo was one of those entrepreneurs who participated in a review meeting in 2021. She incorporated suggestions and revised her pitch for the following year.
The second time was the charm as Regina’s company Nemi Snacks, won the grand prize and audience choice at the 2022 Pitch Competition.
We checked in with our reigning Ms. Pitch Competition to see how Nemi Snacks is doing one year later.
Enthuse Foundation: Describe your experience with the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
Regina Trillo (RT): I applied to the previous year's pitch competition and was not selected as a finalist. One of the fantastic things about Enthuse Foundation is they offer pitch feedback, and I wanted to learn how to create a better pitch and present better. I took Enthuse Foundation's feedback and re-applied in 2022. The challenge with pitch competitions is sharing your story, the business trajectory and plans while keeping it authentic and on time.
EF: Such a great lesson about falling and getting up again. How did you prepare for the actual event?
RT: Before the pitch competition in NYC, I practiced my pitch everywhere I could, to the point where my husband learned it, too! The process from creating my pitch to being on stage saying it gave me the confidence I didn't expect. I remember coming down the stairs from the stage and feeling confident, satisfied, and feliz.
EF: And you were the first one to go! Tell me about your interactions with the other finalists.
RT: That was another unexpected takeaway - the community support I receive to this day! I made friends with other founders I greatly admire and respect, and I continue to learn from them.
EF: We are thrilled to hear that. Now, of course, you won the event. Tell us how that impacted Nemi Snacks.
RT: Winning the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition greatly helped our growth! First, we upgraded our whole marketing strategy thanks to the in-kind donation from Enthuse Marketing. Enthuse did an in-depth review of the brand, how I communicated with my consumer, who my consumer is, and areas of opportunity. The Enthuse team gave me the most comprehensive, detail-oriented, and approachable marketing plan ever. We started implementing it earlier this year, and the results have surpassed our expectations. Thanks to Enthuse's insights, I finally created an ecosystem for the brand and a cohesive brand strategy, resulting in monthly sales growth. Lastly, Enthuse gave me the resources and the confidence to plan to leave my full-time job and become full-time in Nemi Snacks, which I did in June 2023!
EF: Our strategy team is remarkable. What advice would you give to another founder applying to the Pitch Competition?
RT: POR FAVOR apply! You will learn much about your brand, create your deck, meet other founders, and present your pitch! One thing I love about Enthuse Foundation is the support they provide during the application process all through the pitch competition. It's one of the few or only pitch competitions where you will be supported by former pitch competition winners, pitch experts in the industry, and the Enthuse team! It is an excellent opportunity to continue learning about pitching and building that pitch confidence. Second, your mission is to share your authentic and unique story through every slide and piece of information you share. Continue connecting with your "why" as you create and practice your pitch, and make sure you're spreading that magic through the font you use, graphics, tone, and words you choose.
EF: Your brand story is authentically you, and I think that’s what draws people in. So, what’s on the horizon for you professionally and personally?
RT: I'm still trying to organize and prioritize according to my personal and professional goals. Nemi Snacks started as a snacks company but is now transitioning from a snack brand to a food brand. We will continue celebrating and elevating Mexican culture by sharing high-quality, Mexican-inspired food through sombrero-free branding. I can't wait to travel to Mexico City for the holidays, spend time with family, and visit the farmers we work with. I'm looking forward to creating moments to mentally and physically disconnect from the business to continue finding creative ways to share our story through innovative products.
There are so many cliches around not giving up. Entrepreneurs need to have thick skin and the ability to listen to feedback. Regina didn’t let disappointment soak in but instead took the suggestions she received and applied them to the following year. When life gives you second (or third) chances and the opportunity to grow, that’s a prize. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by applying to the 5th Annual Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
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