Pitch Deck Design What Every Woman Entrepreneur Should Know

Since stepping into the role of Team Lead for 1 Million Cups Mishawaka, I’ve been hearing a lot of questions from our amazing community about how to create a professional-looking pitch deck — and I’m so glad you’re asking! As a mentor who’s walked this road (and had the joy of helping many of you along the way), I can tell you: your pitch deck isn’t just a presentation — it’s often your very first impression. And in the world of entrepreneurship, that first impression can open doors to exciting opportunities.

Think of your pitch deck like showing up for a big interview. If you walked in looking disorganized or too casual, it would be hard to make the right impact, right? Your pitch deck is no different. It should be clean, polished, and a true reflection of the powerful entrepreneur you are.

Here’s how you can put your best foot forward:

1. Match Your Pitch Deck to the Situation

It's important to match your pitch deck to the situation, it's not one size fits all. If you’re presenting live, keep the slides simple, use less words on each slide. You don't need every single word on each slide because you will be telling the story. Think of your slides as a visual support system, a reminder — not a script.

If you’re sending your pitch deck by email or sharing it without you being available to present, you’ll want a few more words to make sure the story still makes sense without you there to explain it.

2. Use Visuals to Say More with Less

Instead of cramming numbers and words onto a slide, use charts, graphs, word clouds and timelines to highlight important data like financial projections, market trends and business milestones. 

Photos are fantastic for breaking up text, showing your brand’s personality, and keeping people engaged. Add photos on your intro slide, your team slide (with professional headshots), or near a story or product highlight. 

Icons make great substitutes for big headings and help keep things clean and interesting.

3. Choose the Right Colors and Fonts

Color Tips:
Stick with 2-3 colors that match your brand or feel welcoming and professional.  Backgrounds should be light (white or soft pastel) with dark text. It's recommended to stay away from dark backgrounds with light text. Avoid neon or overly bright colors — they can be hard on the eyes and look less professional. Use accent colors sparingly to highlight important points (like a key statistic or takeaway).

Font Style Tips:
Pick a modern, easy-to-read font like:
Helvetica — a clean, timeless classic.
Futura — fresh and minimal.
Montserrat — stylish and adds a little personality.

Font Size Tips:
Titles: 32–44 pt
Main text: 24–30 pt
Small notes or captions: 18–20 pt (but don’t go smaller than that!)
Big fonts are better for presentations — if people are squinting, they’re missing your message.

4. Keep It Consistent
Consistency builds trust. Make sure you’re using the same fonts, colors, and style across every slide. It shows attention to detail — and trust me, investors, judges, and clients notice these things! 

5. Finishing Touch

Ask a friend to review your slides for typos, slip-up and inconsistencies. Be sure to add a footer to each slide that includes how to reach you, such as your website, email, phone number or include your logo on each slide small in the corner. On the last slide of your presentation have all the ways to reach out to you can connect. Save you presentation as a pdf. file. If you are emailing send PPT slide and pdf.  

Remember: your pitch deck is your handshake, your smile, and your confidence — all rolled into one. 

You’ve already done the hard work building your dream — now let's make sure your pitch deck shines just as brightly. If you need help reviewing your slides or just want a second opinion, feel free to reach out — that's what mentors are for! If you would like to know more about 1 Million Cups Mishawaka presentation format click here. 

Stay healthy. Stay connected. Stay you. 

Cindy Cohen RN, BS BA 

Founder, President 

C2 Your Health Women's Initiative, Inc. 
Women Move Forward Mentoring Community 

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