Amira Radovic, owner of Airfamco LLC (Forever Freeze Co.), accepts the $5,000 first-place prize during the Wilmington Small Business Accelerator Program pitch competition, hosted by M&T Bank in partnership with the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce on June 24 in Wilmington. Valerie Chinn of A Kidz World LLC and Marcia Boyer of Delaware Mobile Signing LLC also received awards for their winning business pitches.
Three Delaware entrepreneurs walked away with cash prizes and a renewed foundation for growing their businesses following the conclusion of the Wilmington Small Business Accelerator Program, an eight-week initiative hosted by M&T Bank in partnership with the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce.
The program culminated June 24 with a live pitch competition, where participants presented their businesses before a panel of judges after completing weeks of training focused on strengthening their operations and preparing for future growth.
Amira Radovic, owner of Airfamco LLC, captured first place and a $5,000 grand prize. Through her company, also known as Forever Freeze Co., Radovic produces premium freeze-dried snacks while giving back to the community. For every produce snack purchased, Airfamco donates a produce snack to families in need through its community partners, combining entrepreneurship with a mission to improve access to nutritious, shelf-stable food.
Valerie Chinn, owner of A Kidz World LLC, earned second place and received a $3,000 award, while Marcia Boyer, owner of Delaware Mobile Signing LLC, finished third and received a $2,000 prize.
The Wilmington Small Business Accelerator Program launched May 6 and was designed to help established entrepreneurs strengthen key areas of their businesses. Participants received instruction and mentorship in business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, branding, and networking, while building relationships with fellow business owners and industry experts.
“Small businesses are a powerful driver of economic opportunity across Delaware,” said Krista Phillips, M&T Bank Chief Customer and Transformation Officer and Delaware Regional President. “The entrepreneurs who participated in this program demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening their businesses and planning for the future. M&T is proud to partner with the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce to help business owners turn that commitment into long-term success.”
To participate, businesses were required to be located in Wilmington or surrounding communities, generate annual revenues between $50,000 and $500,000, have been operating for two to five years, and have a principal owner who is at least 18 years old.
Ayanna Khan-Flowers, IOM, Founder, President and CEO of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, said the program reflects the impact organizations can have when they work together to invest in local entrepreneurs.
“The Wilmington Small Business Accelerator demonstrates what is possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to investing in entrepreneurs,” Khan-Flowers said. “At the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, we believe that education, mentorship, and access to capital are essential to building sustainable businesses and creating generational wealth. We are proud to partner with M&T Bank to equip business owners with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to grow, compete, and thrive. Congratulations to all of this year’s participants and winners for their dedication, innovation, and perseverance.”
As Wilmington continues to support entrepreneurship and neighborhood investment, programs like this provide emerging business owners with practical tools, mentorship, and financial resources to help transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses that strengthen the local economy.
For more information about M&T Bank’s support for small businesses and community programs, visit https://www.mtb.com.
