Applications have officially opened for the 2025 Social Impact in the Regions (SIITR25) National Pitchfest, inviting regional changemakers to step into the spotlight and pitch their bold ideas for social impact. Returning for its third year, the Pitchfest—presented in partnership with StartSomeGood—celebrates the ingenuity, courage, and creativity of emerging leaders from regional and rural Australia.
The 2024 Pitchfest winner, Amanda di Medici, took out the 2024 National challenge with her vision for transforming financial literacy across communities. Since taking the stage, Amanda has made significant strides—including launching a new profit-for-purpose entity, Yenom, and attracting high-calibre partnerships that have taken her idea to the next level.
“A lot has happened in the past year,” Amanda says. “And I credit most of it to the SIITR24 National Pitchfest. It created a turning point. I now have a strategic partner who’s helped grow multi-million-dollar companies, a rebranded business with a mission-first model, and a beta product about to roll out to corporate markets. That night changed everything.”
Yenom, Amanda’s reimagined venture, offers reflective, personalised financial education—starting with its first program, Reflections: Money. The initiative also includes the newly renamed Yenom Foundation, which will carry forward her original advocacy, education, and scholarship work under the FIQ Project. Ten percent of Yenom’s profits will directly fund the Foundation.
The SIITR25 National Pitchfest will take place as part of the Social Impact in the Regions conference (Sept 3–5, 2025, Grafton, NSW), offering participants the opportunity to present their ideas in front of a national audience of funders, impact investors, and changemakers.
StartSomeGood returns as the proud sponsor of the Pitchfest. “We’re thrilled to support another round of regional leaders ready to turn their ideas into action,” said StartSomeGood CEO Caitlyn Touzell. “Amanda’s journey is a testament to the power of a platform, a stage, and a community that believes in possibility.”
Applications for the 2025 Pitchfest are now open. Regional leaders, social entrepreneurs, and accidental innovators are encouraged to apply early. Finalists will receive tailored coaching and the chance to pitch live at the conference.
Key dates:
Applications close: 11am, 30 July 2025
Semi-finalists notified: 8 August
Semi-finalist pitch (online): 15 August
Finalists notified: 16 August
PITCH: 3 September (Grafton)
For more information or to apply, visit:
👉 www.socialimpactintheregions.com.au/pitchfest
Further details:
Kerry Grace
Conference Director, Social Impact in the Regions
📧 kerry@readycommunities.com.au
