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Stacy's rise project, the scholarship and mentoring program from Stacy's pita chips, a $ 15 billion / £ 12.3 billion business for convenience foods from PepsiCo, Inc.. to advance female founders is back in 2020 and is committed to helping more women climb more than ever before.

Until June 1, women entrepreneurs can apply to participate in the Stacy & # 39; s Rise Project to become one of 15 women who receive free advertising that includes expert design advice and donated media space to raise awareness of these women-founded brands sharpen. You would also get mentoring from Frito-Lay and PepsiCo executives who are experts in sales, delivery, marketing, research and development and more. Each finalist will receive a grant of $ 10,000 / £ 8.2,000 to advance their business.

"In 2019, female founders received only 2.8% of venture capital funding, which means that women-owned companies need more support than ever before given the difficult environment for small businesses," said Ciara Dilley, vice president of marketing for Frito-Lay.

“Years ago, marketing, mentoring, and financial support for our own women's-based brand helped move from a humble sandwich cart to the country's supermarkets. And although the world looks very different today, we know that these ingredients are still the recipe for success. That's why Stacy & # 39; s proudly extends the Stacy & # 39; s Rise Project to share our most valuable resources with 15 women on their journey to make their dreams come true. "

A group of managers from Frito-Lay and PepsiCo as well as from partners Hello Alice, will select the 15 finalists based on factors such as their commitment to social impact, sustainability and diversity, and how they have faced the latest challenges for their company.

Last year Stacy & # 39; s announced Hakuna brands Founder Hannah Hong as the first Stacy & # 39; s Rise Project winner of $ 100,000 / £ 82.4,000 from a group of five finalists (selected from a first pool of 400 applicants). This year's 15 finalists for the 2020 Stacy & # 39; s Rise Project will be presented in July and will participate in the program until November.