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On Wednesday, Dec. 1, businesses participating in Greater St. Louis, Inc.’s Diverse Business Accelerator will compete in a 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 virtual event’s audience will determine a People’s Choice Award winner.
“This year, 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.”
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 Sterling Bank, World Wide Technology and others.
The event will take place virtually Wednesday, Dec. 1, noon – 3 p.m. Attendance is free and registration is open now. RSVP to Lakesha Mathis. A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event.
Participating entrepreneurs and businesses include:
Erin Braxton, The Rebel Geek
Cynthia Chapple, CC Black Lab
Alesha Henley, A Dose of Insight
Sheila Johnson, BTD Construction
Tanisha Luckett, Henrose Cares
Monique McKinney, The MCM Group
Debbie Njai, Black People Who Hike
Amanda Smith, Smith & Associates
Edward Thornton, Street Genius Innovations
Tiffany Wesley, Pure Vibes
David Williams, Williams Academy