On Wednesday, Dec. 7, businesses participating in Greater St. Louis, Inc.’s Diverse Business Accelerator will compete in the initiative’s Final Pitch Competition, vying for $25,000 in equity-free capital. A panel of regional stakeholders will assess their pitches and award one winner, while the event’s audience will determine a People’s Choice Award recipient.

“We’re excited to host our event in person again this year, and we’re getting audience members more involved by inviting them to vote for the People’s Choice Award,” said Lakesha Mathis, director of the Diverse Business Accelerator. “We’ll present the award to the business owner chosen by the majority of the audience as their favorite, along with a $1,000 cash prize they can invest back into their business.”

Attendance is open to anyone interested in learning more about participating businesses, connecting with and supporting Black-, POC-, and women-owned businesses, and exploring the work Greater St. Louis, Inc. is doing to support them. Competition judges include business professionals from DBA sponsor organizations, including St. Louis Community Credit Union, BMO Harris Bank, and more.

The event will take place Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. in the offices of Greater St. Louis, Inc. Attendance is free. RSVP to Lakesha Mathis.

The Diverse Business Accelerator is open to ethnically, racially, and gender-diverse business owners looking to advance their business’ capacity to grow. Learn more and apply.