PitchFeast provides $55K to Black entrepreneurs

PitchFeast, a transformative competition designed to empower Black and Brown entrepreneurs, held its competition Oct. 10 at the Collaboration Hub in Hamilton County. The night wrapped up with four entrepreneurs receiving thousands of dollars in funding.

The Shark Tank-style event provides a platform for ten innovative businesses to showcase their visions to a panel of investors, competing for much-needed startup capital.The top prize is $25,000, alongside additional funding awards of $15,000 and $10,000 for second and third place respectively.

Founder and Executive Director of PitchFeast Kendrea J. Williams believes the event went off without a hitch.

 “PitchFeast is pivotal to the Indiana business landscape because traditional banks often neglect or intentionally disregard Black and brown entrepreneurs who are seeking startup capital,” Williams said in a statement. “Offering easily accessible funding is just one concrete measure Central Indiana can take to support Black and brown founders in launching new and successful businesses in this region.”

The top prize was taken home by Lux Beauty Spa. Second place honors went to Sweetie’s Candy Boutique and Emporium. Third place went to T Street Eatz.

Additionally, an audience’s choice prize of $5,000 was awarded, reflecting the community’s engagement and support. The Mental Health Spa took home the Audience Choice Award.

Cydaria Cooke, owner of The Mental Health Spa and winner at PitchFeast, delivering her pitch on October 10, 2024. (photo provided/PitchFeast)

Owner of The Mental Health Spa Cydaria Cooke could hardly contain her excitement following the win.

“There is a stigma surrounding mental health,” Cooke told the Indianapolis Recorder. “This funding is going to help eliminate that stigma and push the community forward.”

Among the other participating businesses that pitched this fall are a diverse range of ventures.

From “Scents N Wicks,” a company specializing in handcrafted candles, to “Feel Better Naked,” a wellness brand focused on body positivity, each entrepreneur brings a unique vision to the table.

Other participants include Integrate School, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities; “Sunnie Side Up, a plant-based food service that provides farm-to-table meals, and Objects of Essence, showcasing the rich diversity of ideas and solutions that these entrepreneurs represent.The impact of PitchFeast extends beyond the immediate financial rewards. It cultivates a sense of community and shared purpose among participants. Owner of Sunnie Side Up Sunnie Davis believes PitchFeast is a good outlet for startups of color.

Owner of Sunnie Side Up Plant-based Meals Sunnie Davis during PitchFeast on October 10, 2024. (Photo provided/PitchFeast)

“PitchFeast provides entrepreneurs that look like me a fighting chance at leveling the playing field when it comes to business,” Davis said.

Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news from the Indianapolis Recorder, visit our homepage.

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