In an effort to support and invest in Iowa female business owners, Iowa Women Lead Change plans to bring its annual Invest in She event to Greater Des Moines.

The event, scheduled to take place Sept. 10 at Sticks Inc. in Des Moines, partners IWLC with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Square One DSM. The goal is to give six female business owners an opportunity to pitch their business’ needs to a panel of eight local investors. Among the investors is Connie Winer, owner of Business Publications Corp. and the Business Record.

Invest in She was created in response to Iowa ranking last nationally in the overall economic clout of female-owned businesses, according to the 2015 American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Businesses report.

IWLC is currently seeking female entrepreneurs to participate in the event. As part of the “Shark Tank”-like competition, investors have committed to give $40,000 to participants. Specific amounts will be decided following each business owner’s live pitch, which she will present to the panel of investors.

IWLC hosted a similar event in Cedar Rapids this year and last. Two Des Moines entrepreneurs were among this year’s business owners to receive funding: Elizabeth Caven, the founder of UpCraft Club, and Liz Lidgett, the founder of Adore Your Walls.

The Des Moines event, which starts at 5:30 p.m., is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online.