This was the third season of TechRise, the diversity initiative created by local tech organization P33 that aims to support Chicago's underrepresented founders.

Six founders of Chicago-area startups will compete for a $100,000 grand prize on Thursday at a live pitch competition in the West Loop.

At the TechRise Season 5 kickoff, Bernagene took the stage alongside four other female founders to pitch to a live audience. After the presentations, the judges deliberated and awarded The Dev Difference the top prize

A free small business expo on Thursday in South Chicago will offer info sessions for business owners, professional headshots, networking and a chance to watch a pitch competition that will award $25,000 to one entrepreneur.