Start.Pivot.Grow. (SPG) — an economic development program of consulting firm Integrality, that provides small business owners with services, resources, and funding — partnered with Dallas College Foundation on October 16, 2024, to present a fiercely competitive “PITCH IT!” Competition, where entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas for the ultimate cash prize. Celebrating the innovative spirit of small business owners, SPG continues to provide equitable access to capital, resources, and growth opportunities to ensure that all businesses have a fair chance to succeed and thrive.
More than 30 community members, influencers, and business leaders attended the competition to support the PITCH IT! Finalists. The 11 finalists were: 1) Select Auto Parts & Sales, Inc.; 2) DTOCS; 3) Circle V Landscape Architecture, LLC; 4) Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Raleigh; 5) Glenis Edits Media, LLC; 6) ShampooTime; 7) The Laundry Basket, LLC; 8) AHNI Beauty Supply; 9) Books and Brown Sugar Co; 10) Just Elope, LLC; 11) Homewatch Caregivers of McDonough.
“These businesses worked hard for ten weeks to prepare themselves for the opportunity to pitch their innovative concepts and access needed capital to fuel growth,” said Cynthia Nevels, CEO of Integrality. “We are very proud of each contestant.”
Judging the PITCH IT! Competition were: Juan Carlos “J.C.” González (Wells Fargo); Angel Deleon (Texas Capital Bank); Shannon Flowers (Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation); Dr. Bianca Busch (The College Psychiatrist); and LaCedric Williams (UPS).
Following 11 consecutive pitches, Pallavi Pande of DTOCS won the third place award of $2,500; Erica McCrae of Homewatch Caregivers of McDonough placed second winning $10,000; and Kia-Shun Voltz of ShampooTime, took home the grand prize of $20,000. These prizes provide much needed access to capital and are powered by The UPS Foundation.
“Winning the PITCH IT competition hosted by Start.Pivot.Grow. is an incredible milestone for ShampooTime,” said ShampooTime Founder Kia-Shun Voltz. “This recognition validates the hard work, innovation, and passion that drive our mission to transform hair care for parents and children. Cynthia Nevels has been instrumental in preparing me throughout the accelerator, and her guidance and support has been truly invaluable. It’s not just about winning—it’s about making meaningful connections and taking one step closer to achieving our vision – I’m honored.”
Since its inception, Start.Pivot.Grow. has exercised its commitment to prioritizing the needs of emerging entrepreneurs. Through the PITCH IT! Competition, the SPG initiative will continue to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and encourage equitable and economic growth for retail, e-commerce and franchise small business owners.
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