Next month, the Women’s Business Center will host the Final Round of their Small Business Showcase Pitch Competition, the capstone event of their Motivated Entrepreneurs networking program. Five entrepreneurs will present their business pitches at the free event, and the top three will receive cash prizes. The competing business owners were selected after completing the first round of the Small Business Showcase in November, where 13 total businesses presented for the chance to pitch at the larger event.
Preparing for a pitch competition is an impressive feat: the businesses owners you’ll meet below worked hard to finalize their business plans and translate that into a succinct, 3-minute presentation that demonstrates who they are, knowledge of their industry, and how their business solves a problem in that market.
The Final Round will take place on Tuesday, December 12 from 5pm-8pm at 1442 on the Blvd. We hope you’ll join us to cheer on the finalists, learn what it takes to effectively pitch a business, and network with local small business champions.
In the meantime, let's meet the businesses who will pitch at The Final Round!
Itacate, founded by Martha y. Díaz
After falling in love with backpacking and realizing that options for Latin-inspired meals in the back country were limited, Martha Y. Díaz created Itacate – a Latin backpacking food company for adventurers with great taste and strong values.
DRVA Emergency Rescue, Founded by Taneika Jones
Taneika Jones is squashing any and all stereotypes of women in the automotive industry with her company, DRVA – a certified green, woman owned and operated Emergency Roadside business dedicated to rescuing stranded motorists experiencing roadside emergencies.
The Lux Barber Lounge, Founded by Ron Burt
Ron Burt, proud founder of The Lux Lounge, has over 10+ years of barber experience and is dedicated to helping clients look and feel their absolute best.
TAP Wine Lounge, Founded by Cynthia Dees Brooks
With her love for food, wine, art, music, & community, Cynthia Dees Brooks opened up the The Artisan Pour (TAP) Wine Lounge where guests live in the moment and enjoy luxury wines from Black-Owned wineries
Best In Tents, Founded by John Miller and Seth Abbott
John Miller used his passion for nature and live music to create Best in Tents with his business partner, Seth Abbott – luxury camping with full power accommodations at music festivals along the west coast.
We hope you’ll join us on December 12th to hear more from these inspiring, visionary entrepreneurs!
Like we said, preparing for a pitch competition is no easy feat. Let's meet all of the participants from Round 1 who are working hard on their businesses!
Bahiya Spaulding, Founder of Rock Your Crown Beauty
Specialized products and support services for women of color experiencing hair loss.
Ashley Geoffrey, Founder of The Suite Spot Collective
Commercial real estate and turnkey rental services for beauty industry entrepreneurs.
Da'Shena Payne, Creator of The Moisture Oil Comb (MOC)
An innovative hair care tool designed to make hair oiling fast and easy. Part of CAGED.
Iyanna Jennings, founder of Nouvelle Healing
An inclusive reiki healing studio offering other mind-body healing services.
La Toya Holmes-Green, Founder of g4 All Access Transport
Non-emergency medical transportation designed to increase accessibility.
Pamela Marquez, Founder of Puzz e Gata Jamaica
Homemade, authentic agua de jamaica inspired by the flavors of Mexico.
Naeemah Capers, founder of House of Priti
A membership-based community for women and moms to learn the basics of investing.
Christa Lee, Founder of Priti Mobile Notary
A remote and mobile notary service to make notarization quick and accessible.
