group, and only 0.5% of all funding for startups goes to LGBTQ entrepreneurs. The facts show that funding for underrepresented founders is lacking. Delaware’s Startup302 Pitch Competition focuses on entrepreneurs from these underrepresented founders to tackle such funding inequities and strengthen the regional startup community. Startup302 is looking to amplify the number, diversity, and impact of underrepresented founders and their stories to drive the economic empowerment of the community. Over five years, 583 companies have applied for the competition, and 61 companies have been were awarded $926,500 in non-diluted, unrestricted grants. Participants from previous years, reported the positive impact that the awards have had on their ventures. Several previous competitors have raised new capital from investors, and reported that winning competitions or accelerator program entrances to help validate their value proposition in the eyes of their investors. Some winners in previous years were able to rapidly advance their R&D efforts with the prize money, clearing regulatory hurdles, and finalizing prototypes for manufacturing or testing. Over 50% of previous winners have used the winnings to hire an intern or contractor for their business. Also, “soft” connections from the competition have resulted in collaboration with sponsor companies, other local startups, and career advancement for many of the winners, as well as some of the other competitors too.