SETTING THE STAGE FOR FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

SPARK BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION

The CLT Impact Investors x beSocial Charlotte recently held the SPARK Business Pitch Competition, a platform for Black and minority entrepreneurs of Charlotte, NC to showcase their innovative ideas, creativity, and passion for their businesses, regardless of industry or stage of development. The participants had 5 minutes to present their pitches and 5 minutes for questions from the CLT Impact Investors panel; Hal Levinson, James Whitner, Khaleel Loyd, Todd Collins, and Will Alston. Three winners will receive a $10K business grant with mentorship from current CLT Impact business owners.

 

The diverse variety of entrepreneurs and their innovative ideas created an environment of curiosity and inspiration. Presenting at the SPARK Business Pitch Competition: House of Huebris, a contemporary fashion label and embroidery atelier; BLK Resumes, a hiring and job search platform; Pollynation Apothecary, a holistic wellness and beauty company; DEI Directive, a technology firm focused on diversity, inclusion and equity; Krunch It, a data-driven facilitation platform for K-12 educators; Colorful Noise, a music production company; Building Endurance, a mental health group offering outpatient services; Unchained INC, a software development company focused on bridging the gap between corporations and early career professionals; and Tesfa, a mental health group focused on group therapy sessions.

The inspiration in the room was unwavering as the entrepreneurs presented their pitches. The panel of judges evaluated each pitch based on the strength of the business idea, market potential, revenue and growth projections, team capability, and overall presentation. The panel then assembled for a brief overview and discussion to select the three winners.

Undeniable passion and creative power lead these driven entrepreneurs to take the next step by presenting at SPARK. Building a better tomorrow are the three $10k grant recipients Unchained Inc, Pollynation Apothecary, and DEI Directive, who will continue shaping the future for generations to come with their innovative ideas.

SPARK FINALIST: UNCHAINED INC

Unchained Inc., is working towards bridging the gap between corporations and early career professionals. Founder Bilal Issifou is on a mission to strengthen the HBCU to corporation pipeline, while making diversity, equity, and inclusion the standard for all employers. Keep up with their journey and learn more about their service by visiting their website unchainedinc.com.

SPARK FINALIST: POLLYNATION APOTHECARY

Pollynation Apothecary is a holistic wellness and beauty brand developed by scientist Carli Abram. Carli is on a mission to provide natural ways to get to the root of health problems, not just masking symptoms. Keep up with their journey and learn more about their services by visiting pollynationapothecary.com.

SPARK FINALIST: DEI DIRECTIVE

DEI Directive is a technology firm focused on diversity, inclusion, and equity. CEO Malobi Achike is using data and technology to help employers take the guesswork out of creating a diverse workforce. Keep up with their journey and learn more about their services by visiting deidirective.com.

The SPARK Business Pitch Competition is empowering and uplifting underrepresented Black and minority-owned businesses in the city of Charlotte. The CLT Impact Investors are looking forward to seeing what all SPARK participants will do in the future and encourage them to reach out for mentorship. There is an indisputable need to help the next generation of entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground, the SPARK Business Pitch Competition hopes to ignite a more efficient path to success for future entrepreneurs and innovators.