BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Five emerging brands were selected to participate in a pitch competition produced by Brandjectory, an online platform dedicated to connecting early-stage consumer products entrepreneurs to investors.

The virtual, two-hour event will be held on Sept. 14 and is free to attend. More than $95,000 in cash and services will be awarded, including a $20,000 cash prize for the winner. Co-hosting the event are Jessi Frietag, Startup CPG podcast host and independent consumer packaged goods operations consultant, and Wade Yenny, director of grocery, dairy and frozen at The Fresh Market. An afterparty will feature Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares.

The inaugural Brandjectory Pitch Slam finalists are:

Cusa Tea & Coffee, a brand of premium instant teas and coffees;

Fabalish, a maker of snacks and dips formulated with chickpea ingredients;

GoNanas, a producer of allergen-free banana bread mixes;

Olyra, a brand of organic breakfast biscuits featuring ancient grains; and

True Made Foods, a creator of no-sugar condiments sweetened with fruits and vegetables.

“These are exceptional founders and business propositions,” said Tom Malengo, co-founder of Brandjectory. “We are excited to offer the first of many pitch slams for the industry. It’s a chance for us to showcase just five of the sensational brands on our platform.”

Applications were open to Brandjectory premium subscribers. All applicants received feedback from investors, and the five finalists will receive investor coaching prior to the event, according to Brandjectory. A panel of six investors will determine a winner during the competition.

Founded by three industry veterans, Brandjectory provides access to business education, networking opportunities and one-on-one coaching with investors and experts to startup founders seeking seed capital. Since its launch, Brandjectory has facilitated more than 1,400 connections between founders and investors. A year ago, Brandjectory added the premium membership service with benefits including invitations to all Brandjectory events and meet-ups; participation in coaching and mentoring with investors, buyers, brand marketers, product segment experts and more; a founder-only discussion forum; access to hundreds of articles from experts and partners; and brand exposure to a community of hundreds of investors.